






TO 





BY 

L-E 




BENEDICT 



BOSTON 

LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS 

10 Milk Street 

1893 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



©Imp, ©ajitjrigijt 3ftu 

Shelf :3&jI 

UNITED STATES OE AMERICA. 



PIECES TO SPEAK 



BY 



/ 

EMMA LEE BENEDICT 




JgFWASHW- 

BOSTON 



>7^l 



LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS 
No. 10 Milk Street 

1893 



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Copyright, 1893, by Lee and Shepari> 



All rights reserved 



Pieces to Speak 



pbess or 
BOSTON, U.S.A. 



CONTENTS 



PART I 
NATURE SONGS 

PAGE 

Autumn Leaves ....... 3 

A March Wind ....... 4 

The First Snow G 

Morning-Glories ....... 8 

The Pine-Tree 9 

Song of the Tree in Spring .... 10 

Eidelweiss . . . . . . . . 11 

A Wild Rose 12 

Sunshine Flowers ....... 13 

A Merry-Go-Round with the Months . . 1-t 



THE WAYS OF 
The Chimpanzee 
The Three Frogs 
Pussy's Advice 
Hens and Chickens 
Froggie's Trials 
Robin's Refrain 
Grandfather's Story 



PART II 




F SOME ANIMAL FRIENDS 






21 




22 




23 




2f> 




20 




20 


.Y ..... 


28 



PART III 

HEARTH-STONE RHYMES 
The Sad Fate of a Little Black-Eyed Girl 
Midget's Mishap . . . . 
Ye Romance of ye Gro< er Man . 
New Year's Resolutions .... 

iii 



35 
36 
37 

38 



IV 



CONTENTS 



Fisher-Boy Ben 

The Little Gardener 

What's in the Basket? 

Going to Market 

Baby Bell 

In the Orchard 

Donald's Plea . 

Vacation Song 

A Five-O'Clock Tea 

A Tale of Adventure 

A Song of Sixpence 

A Heart of Love 

A Summer Song 

My Prayer 

PART IV 

COLD-WATER SONGS 
Water Drops and Wine Drops 
An Apple Party .... 
The Raisin's Story .... 
The Water-Lily .... 
What Shall we do with the Wheat? 
Their Foes and Ours 
The Indian Corn's Complaint 
Which is Best? .... 

The Liquor Saloon on the Corner 



page 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
49 
50 
51 
53 
54 



57 
GO 
6o 
66 
67 
68 
71 
72 
73 



PART V 

SOME AIRY FAIRY DRAMATICS 
A Snow Festival. Jack Frost Reviews the 

Snowflake Brigade. 49 characters . 
Neptune's Reunion. The Ocean's Children Re- 
turn and Report their Adventures. 63 char- 
acters . . . . . . . 

Exercises adapted from the best authors, arranged for 
the entire school or any portion thereof, as may b.e desired. 



77 



92 



PART I 



NATURE SONGS 



PIECES TO SPEAK. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 

CRIMSON, and scarlet, and yellow, 
Emerald turning to gold, 
Shimmering here in the sunlight, 

Shivering there in the cold; 
Waving farewells as the tempest 

Ruthlessly tears them apart, 
Fluttering, dancing, and rustling, 
As hither and thither they dart. 



Recklessly stemming the rapids, 

Lazily swimming the pool ; 
Playing " I spy " with a down-head 

Under a puffy toadstool. 
Wreaths for the walls of her dwelling 

Each neat little housekeeper weaves ; 
There, amid delicate fern-sprays, 

Nestle the bright autumn leaves. 



PIECES TO SPEAK. 



A MARCH WIND. 



TGH there ! I'm coming, get out of my 
^ way ; 

No time for parley, I'm in for a fray. 
Roaring I come out of forest and glen, 
Howling round corners and whooping at men, 
Pinching the face, 
Quick'ning the pace, 
Whirling and twisting the clothes out of place. 

Bang ! go the shutters, and slam ! go the 

doors ; 
Crackles the fire till the whole chimney roars ; 
Snowflakes are whizzing through key-holes 

and chinks, 
Clothes-lines are tossed in untwistable kinks. 
Whew ! how I shriek, 
Whistle and squeak, 
And dash at the ground till the very stones 

creak. 

Swiftly I sweep through the narrow defiles, 
Hustling the briars and brush into piles, 
Crash through the cedars till all their twigs 

buzz, 
Shake up the willows and scatter their fuzz. 



A MARCH WIND, i 

Sink to a breeze, 
Blow as I please, 
Whistle and rattle, or rustle and wheeze. 

Wailing I wander through tenantless rooms, 
Moaning and sobbing by desolate tombs, 
Mournfully mingling in dirges of woe, 
Humming a hymn of farewell as I go. 

Murmur and sigh, 

Far away fly, 
Faintly and feebly there whisper and die. 



PIECES TO SPEAK. 



THE FIRST SNOW. 

TT sifted down all softly, 
-*- On a chill November night ; 
When morning dawned, we saw a world 
Transfigured, all in white. 

But when the earth thus frosted o'er 

The rising sun had warmed, 
The feathery snow-stars, born of cold, 

Were speedily transformed. 

But still they glistened, flashed, and shone, 

Ablaze with dazzling light, 
As if a shower of diamonds 

Had fallen in the night. 

The ugliest weed and barest stalk 

With flashing gems were set ; 
And every grass-blade on the lawn 

Wore beaded coronet. 

Upon the vine around the porch 
The melted snow-stars dangled, 

Till every twig the sun shone on 
With rainbow hues was spangled. 



THE FIRST SNOW, 

From every trembling water-drop 
Went streaming out a blaze 

Of green or orange, red or blue, 
In dazzling sun-like rays. 

They soon were gone, but in mind 
The scene is pictured yet, — 

The snow-crust melting from the grass, 
The vine with jewels set. 

And glad am I that, in my haste 

O'er sordid cares that day, 
I chanced to look, as Nature gave 

That rich and rare display. 



8 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



MORNING-GLORIES . 



WINDING up in twisted lines 
All about my window, twines 
Such a network of green vines, 
That there hardly ever shines 
A morning sunbeam through. 

Over all the shady screen, 
Flashing in and out, between 
Curling vines and leaves of green, 
Rainbow colors may be seen, — 
Purple, red, and blue. 

Many a bud with spiral seams 
By a full-blown blossom gleams ; 
But when the sun with glaring beams 
On the modest blossom streams, 
Quick it shrinks from sight. 

Oh, morning-glories, bright and new, 
All too quickly you withdrew. 
Would that I a longer view 
Every day might have of you 
Before you shut so tight. 



THE PINE-TREE. & 



THE PINE-TREE. 

WITH a drip, drip, drip, and a slushy slip, 
From the pine-tree falls the snow, 
As the sun's warm rays o'er his long arms blaze, 

And the gentle south winds blow. 
The hollows small where the driplets fall 
A honeycomb make of the snow below. 

With a hum, hum, hum, like a quiv'ring drum, 
In the first warm days of June, 

All his needles wake, and the key-note take, 
For a round in a soft sweet tune. 

From far and near come the birds to hear, 
And it lulls them to sleep by the light of the 
moon. 

With a moan, moan, moan does the pine-tree 
groan, 

When the dead leaves downward fly, 
All his arms, in woe, tossing to and fro, 

Full of grief that the cold is nigh. 
But he takes his part with a stout old heart, 

And few of his needles fade or die. 



10 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

With a roar, roar, roar, thrilling every pore, 

In the teeth of the fiercest blast 
Stands the brave old pine, though his foes 
combine, 
Till the winter storms have passed. 
What a man you'd be, sturdy old pine-tree, 
Standing firmly, and squarely, and true, to 
the last. 



SONG OF THE TREE IN SPRING. 



W "INTER winds and ice and storm 
Have pinched and cramped my naked 
form. 
But spring is coming soon, I know, 
The warm south wind begins to blow. 
To-day I heard a robin sing. 
Spring is coming; she will bring 
Sunny beams to warm my feet. 
Soon my sluggish pulse will beat, 
Through my cold and withered heart 
The welcome life-blood soon will start. 
Then my round pink buds 111 don, 
Put my pearly blossoms on, 
Dress myself in robes of green, 
To welcome June, the season's queen. 



EIDELWEISS. 11 



EIDELWEISS. 



CLOSE to the cold, bare rock it cleaves, 
With its dainty woolly leaves, 
So like the snow it blooms amid; 
Its graceful form is well-nigh hid 
Away from harsh or curious eye ; 
And oft the foot of passer-by 
Would crush the clustered head of gold, 
So snugly in its white hood rolled, 
Did not its spotless beauty shed 
Such subtle halo round its head 
That one can feel its presence nigh 
Before its pale face greets the eye. 
Oh, dainty little rock-bound flower, 
What wealth of sweetness is thy dower ! 
What joy it is to see thee here, 
Thou hardy little mountaineer ! 
Thy cheering presence, without speech, 
Does well a simple lesson teach. 
The more obscure our lot or place 
The richer should we be in grace, 
That greater gifts we may bestow 
Upon the few we chance to know. 



12 PIECES TO SPEAK, 



A WILD ROSE. 

/^\H, sweet wild rose 

^-^ That by the wayside grows, 

Among the brambles and beside the wood! 

I'd love thee more, sweet blossom, if I could. 

Oh, frail wild rose, 
In thy pink and pearly clothes ! 
The softest zephyr, whispering at thy side, 
Tears off thy dress and flings it far and wide. 

Oh, pure wild rose ! 
No stain thy fair corolla knows ; 
Thy fragrant cup the crystal dew-drops hold 
All clear and shining round thy threads of gold. 

Would I, wild rose, 
At heart might be as those 
Fair petals whose pure beauty charms my sight, 
As free from evil thoughts as thou from blight. 



SUNSHINE FLOWERS. 13 



SUNSHINE FLOWERS. 



"OUTTERCUPS and daisies, 
-■— ' All are very well, 
Coming in the springtime 
Future joys to tell. 



But, buttercups and daisies, 
Lovely though you be, 

Golden-rod and gentians 
Fairer are to me. 

These come out in autumn, 
When the earth is sad 

Over joys departed, 

And help to make us glad. 

It's easy to be merry 

Where the sunshine plays, 

But blessings on the face that 
Gladdens gloomy days. 



14 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



A MERRY-GO-ROUND WITH THE MONTHS 



A 



JANUARY. 

GLITTER in the winter sun, 
A row of shining tips, 
And drops of water coming down 
In slow and solemn drips. 

What is this music regular, 
This rhythm without a flaw? 

'Tis the icicles a-weeping 
In a January thaw. 



FEBRUARY. 

Over field, and wood, and garden 

Thick the snowy carpet lies, 
White is every roof and roadway, 

White is all that meets the eyes; 
But the sun departing pauses, 

Ere he on his journey hies, 
And a gold and crimson curtain 

Hangs across the western skies. 



A MERRY-GO-ROUND. , 15 

MARCH. 

Here he comes a-roaring — 

Old mad March! 
Stirring up a panic in 

The branches of the larch. 
All the little floury flakes 

He shakes about and sifts, 
Until they fall affrighted into 

Curved and scolloped drifts. 
Shining hills and valleys out of 

Frozen mist he makes, 
And snowy mounds that make you think 

Of jolly frosted cakes. 

APRIL. 

Now a sprinkle, now a spatter, 
Now a shower; but what matter? 
If we wish to see May flowers 
We must welcome April showers. 

MAY. 

Oh, the blue hepatica ! 

Oh, the sweet hepatica ! 
Shining out from dingy woodlands brown and 
bare. 

When the first warm days of spring 

To the woods the rambler bring, 
What joy it is to find it waiting there ! 



16 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

JUNE. 

There surely is a gold-mine somewhere 

Down beneath the grass ; 
For dandelions are popping up 

In every place you pass. 
But if you wish to gather some 

You'd better not delay, 
For gold will turn to silver soon, 

And all will blow away. 

JULY. 

Drowsily the locusts hum in the trees ; 
Drowsily the wheat-heads nod in the breeze ; 
Drowsily the brook babbles down through the 

glade, 
With all the little fishes in it whisking in the 

shade. 

AUGUST. 

Katy-did in the tree sits hid 

And sings to the puzzled beadle ; 

While the cricket rocks as he mends his socks 
With the dragonfly's darning-needle. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Out in the cornfield, rustling ribbons, 

Tassels tossing high, 
Ears all wrapped to the tips in blankets 

Silken, soft, and dry, 
Golden kernels ready for husking, — 

And pumpkins ready for pie. 



A MERRY-GO-ROUND. 17 



OCTOBER. 



Golden-rod and asters painting roadsides bright ; 
Chestnut-burrs a-bursting in the frosty night ; 
Autumn leaves a-tinging all the woods with 

gold, 
Butterflies and grasshoppers laid up with a cold. 



NOVEMBER. 

The clouds are putting out the sun, 

They've shut off all his heat ; 
The frozen ground in heavy thuds 

Complains of passing feet; 
The meadow-brook runs still and dark ; 

The tree-tops sway forlorn ; 
But in the barn, with merry shout, 

The boys are husking corn, 

DECEMBER. 

Such funny styles are now the rage 

In all the woods and dales ! 
The vines shine out in beaded lace, 

The leaves in spangled veils. 
With swelling pride the twigs are all 

To crystal vests devoted, 
While every little grass-blade thinks 

He must be sugar-coated. 



PART II 



THE WAYS OF SOME ANIMAL FRIENDS 



THE CHIMPANZEE. 21 



THE CHIMPANZEE. 

rpHERE liveth a creature 
-*- Way down in Soudan 
That really and truly 

Is quite like a man. 
He scowls when he's angry, 

And smiles when he's pleased, 
And tears round unpleasantly 

When he is teased. 
'Tis ttie chattering chimpanzee, 

Hideous chimpanzee, 
Barbarous chimpanzee, 

Down in Soudan. 

Upright on two limbs 

He quite easily stands ; 
He lives in a hut 

Which he builds with his hands ; 
But his knees they turn out 

And his toes they turn in, 
And he greeteth his friends 

With a horrible grin, 
This chattering chimpanzee, 

Hideous chimpanzee, 
Barbarous chimpanzee, 

Down in Soudan. 



22 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



THE THREE FROGS. 

r I THERE were three young hilarious frogs 
-*- Whose home was down under the bogs, 
And every day 
They came up to play 
And caper and dance like gay dogs. 



And there was a little lone wren, 
Who used to fly down, now and then, 
By the brookside, to see 
These three frogs in their glee, 
And she mentioned the fact to a hen. 



But never again will she look 
Upon those three frogs by the brook; 
For the very next day 
Mrs. Hen walked that way, 
And all three for her dinner she took. 



pussy's advice. 23 



PUSSY'S ADVICE. 



THERE was a wise old Pussy cat, 
I heard the other day, 
Who had four little Pussy cats 
All very fond of play. 

They capered and they scampered, 

And they ran about so fast, 
You'd sometimes think a railroad train 

Was surely dashing past. 

They played and they played, 

And they winked their silly eyes, 

Till the old cat was afraid 

That they never would be wise. 

" Come here, you naughty kits," she said, 
" And learn to hunt for mice ; 

Just stop your pranks, and listen, 
While I give you good advice." 

Then on her nose she placed her specs, 

And on her head her cap, 
And sat down with the naughtiest 

Of the kittens in her lap. 



24 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

" Now, first of all, I'll tell you what 
I've never known to fail, — 

Malty, drop your paws ! and Spot, 
Stop biting Tabby's tail ! " 

Thus scolding one and slapping one 

And boxing every ear, 
She got them, all set down at last, 

With folded paws, to hear. 

Then lifting up her left fore claw 
And pointing here and there, 

She told them how, and what, and all 
About it with great care. 

At last when she had given 

All the counsel she could think, 

She added, "But be very careful 
What you eat and drink. 

"And don't, as silly people do, 
Go drink some poison stuff 

That steals away what wit you have, 
When you haven't half enough." 



AN EASTER FESTIVAL. 25 



AN EASTER FESTIVAL. 

'rpWAS a wonderful Easter cotillon, — ■ 

-L A soiree exceedingly rare, 
The guests were the chanticleers, chickens, and 
hens, 
And the rabbits, who all came in pairs. 

They met in a marvellous parlor, 
The concavitous shell of an egg; 

'Twas set round with mirrors and strewn over 
with moss ; 
Now, what could be finer, I beg? 

And oh, what a band of musicians ! 

Winged cherubims fresh from a cloud ! 
They rested on nothing, and sweetly they blew 

Their silvery trumpets aloud. 

Mrs. Biddy stopped cackling to listen ; 

The rabbits hopped round full of glee ; 
The chickens all danced on the top of the shell ; 

Oh, would you had been there to see ! 

The concerto-quadrillo was led by a chick 
Who beat time with his little red leg, 

While near him his mother delightedly clucked, 
" What wonders there are in an egg ! " 



26 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



FROGGIE'S TRIALS. 

TUG-A-RUM ! jug-a-rum ! 

^ Here I come ! Here I come ! 

I am cold, I am wet, 
Not a skipper can I get, 
Jug-a-rum ! 

Oh, my eye ! there's a fly ! 
See me snap like a trap. 
Say Good-by, Mr. Fly, 
To your friends if they are nigh, 
Jug-a-rum ! 

Oh, those boys ! what a noise 
They do make ! Oh, my sake ! 
Here they come ! Jug-a-rum ! 
I'll go home ! I'll go home ! 
Jug-a-rum, — ! 



ROBINS REFRAIN. 



TTWERYTHING'S at six and sevens, 
-■-^ Everybody's going wrong ; 
Life's a stew, — but Robin Redbreast 
In the tree-top sings his song, — 
" Oh, be cheery, always cheery ! " 



ROBIX'S REFRAIN. 27 

Stocks are down, the bank is failing, 

Hard-earned savings disappear, 
Markets dull and values shrinking, — 

Robin sings out loud and clear, 
" Oh, be cheery, always cheery ! " 

Merit fails of recognition, 

Kind intent earns only blame, 
Conscious power by Fate is fettered; 

Robin urges just the same, — 

" Oh, be cheery, always cheery ! " 

Friends desert for trifling lapses, 

Contact shatters high ideals, 
Love meets only cold indifference ; 

Robin Redbreast still appeals, — 
" Oh, be cheery, always cheery ! " 

Catch the note of Robin's gladness, 

Listen when he sings again ; 
Then, when cares are most vexatious, 

Tune your soul to his refrain, — 
" Oh, be cheery, always cheery ! " 



28 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



GRANDFATHER'S STORY. 

TTTE sat by the wide-open fireplace, 
* * We two, in the twilight dim, 

And grandfather told me the story, — 
It was true, for it happened to him. 



'Twas all about Rove, a Newfoundland. 

64 Great creature," grandfather said ; 
" He was fully as high as this table ; 

And he had such a magnificent head! 



" One day in the middle of winter 
My father sent me on a tramp 

Several miles through the forest, to visit 
A neighboring wood-cutter's camp. 



" I never once thought there was danger, 
For the woods had been kept pretty clear 

Of wild beasts, such as wolves and black bears 
And panthers, for many a year. 



grandfather's story. 29 

"My father had left for the city, 

My brothers were also away, 
So I thought I'd leave Rover with mother, 

And I told him that he was to stay. 



"He dropped as if some one had struck him, 
And moaned like a baby and whined, 

Till mother declared, out of pity, 

That I must not leave Rover behind. 



"I yielded the point, and we started, 
The dog running on in advance, 

Now waiting for me, and now turning 
To catch an encouraging glance. 



" He was such a loving old creature, 
A harsh word he never could take 

Without crying and moaning, as if 

His great heart were all ready to break. 



" We sighted the camp about mid-day, 
Did our errands, and then faced about, 

Old Rove leading soberly homeward, 
As if he were the guide of my route. 



30 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

" When four or five miles we had covered, 
Rove suddenly stopped at a sound 

In the bushes close by — the next moment 
Out sprang a gray wolf with a bound. 



" 'Twas a monstrous great beast, with wild eyes 
Like two burning coals, and a fang 

That was fearful to look at ; but Rover 
Like shot at the great beast he sprang. 



" Then madly they tore at each other, 
Till out on the snow their blood spilled, 

While I could do nothing but watch them 
In terror lest Rove should be killed. 



"And, watching, I saw to my horror 
The dog was fast losing his strength, 

But never his courage. Still fiercely 
He fought, until out at full length 



"Down dropped his gray enemy, gasping, 
His fierce burning eyes growing dim • 

And Rover came crawling toward me 
As quickly I hastened to him. 



grandfather's story, 31 

" Poor Rover ! his throat was all bleeding, 
And vainly I held shut the wound ; 

He looked up appealingly at me, 

Then stretched himself out on the ground. 



44 Brave Rover ! One last look he gave me 
From out of his great, wistful eyes 

That so often had looked into mine 
Full of gratitude, love, or surprise, 



" Then closed them forever. I left him, 
And hurried on fast as I could, 
Half blinded with tears at the thought 
Of the brave dog lying there in the wood. 



"We brought back his body next morning 
And buried it out in the grove, 
And we carved on a slab for his headstone, 
4 Here lies a hero, — brave old dog Rove." 



PART III 



HEARTH-STONE RHYMES 



THE SAD FATE OF A LITTLE GIRL. 35 



THE SAD FATE OF A LITTLE BLACK-EYED GIRL. 

A BLACK-EYED maiden once I knew 
Who could laugh and frolic enough for 
two. 
You would not have dreamed, if you had not 

known, 
That this black-eyed maid had a will of her own. 

And then such queer notions came into her 

head, — 
She was sure to want cake when she should 

want bread ; 
And whatever she wanted she wanted so bad, 
That until she had got it no peace could be had. 

At last she wanted — at least so she said — 
Her black hair changed to a beautiful red. 
Day after day she would climb the stair 
And look in the mirror to see her hair ; 

And deeper the scowls on her forehead came 
To see that its color kept ever the same. 
She fretted and fumed, and scolded and cried, 
And when she could stand it no longer, she died. 

And now what think you the people say? 
That " She died of not having her own way.*' 



36 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



MIDGET'S MISHAP. 

T ITTLE Midget! little Midget! 
-*-^ All the folks will have a fidget 
If she ever tries to wear so long a gown. 
She will trip her tiny toes, 
Bump her head and spoil her nose, 
For the frock will surely make her tumble 
down. 



Let us gather up enough 

Round her neck to make a "ruff," 

And we'll pin it so 's to make it stand alone. 
Then we'll play she's Mother Hubbard, 
And she'll run out to the cupboard 

There to get her poor old Jippy dog a bone. 

But, oh dear me ! after all, 

Mother Hubbard got a fall, 
Ran a splinter in her hand and bumped her ear, 

While a naughty, naughty pin 

In her "ruff" stuck in her chin; 
But the chubby Midget never shed a tear. 



YE GROCER MAN. 37 



YE ROMANCE ^F YE GROCER MAN. 

TT was ye little grocer man, 
-*- All smilingly did he 
Weigh out ye sugar and ye spice, 
Ye butter and ye tea. 



It was ye little ancient maid 
That went all modestly 

Unto ye little grocer man 
To buy some hominy. 



Then sweetly smiled ye grocer man 
And talked about ye weather, — 

And now they eat their hominy 
And drink their tea together. 



38 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS. 

r I THERE were three little folks, long ago, 
-*- Who solemnly sat in a row 

On a December night, 

And attempted to write 
For the New Year a good resolution. 

44 I'll try not to make so much noise, 
And be one of the quietest boys," 

Wrote one of the three, 

Whose uproarious glee 
Was the cause of no end of confusion. 

"I resolve that I never will take 

More than two or three pieces of cake," 

Wrote plump little Pete, 

Whose fondness for sweet 
Was a problem of puzzling solution. 

The other, her paper to fill, 

Began with " Resolved that I will — " 

But right there she stopped 

And fast asleep dropped 
E're she came to a single conclusion. 



FISHER-BOY BEX. 39 



FISHER-BOY BEN. 



T ITTLE boy Ben, come launch your boat, 
J-^ Your fish-nets set, your bobbins float; 
The wind is blowing full and free, 
The fish are coming in from sea. 



Little boy Ben, so frank and true, 
The fisher's life is hard for you ; 

But poor and scant the fisher's fare, — 
Each little man must earn his share. 



Good-by, boy Ben, may wind and sea 
Hold fair till safe you're back to me ; 

May wind and sea your whole life through 
Bad luck and bad thoughts keep from you. 



40 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



THE LITTLE GARDENER. 

O IGHTS and sights of weeds are growing, 
^ All the garden, 'most, needs hoeing; 
In the corn the grass is thick, 
And the burdocks grow so quick, 
First you know they're big and tall, 
If you let them start at all. 



That's the way, my little man, 

Hoe the weeds up while you can; 

After them with hoe and rake, 

That good plants their place may take. 

Hateful thoughts are weeds, you know, — 

Kill them quick, so Love can grow. 



WHAT'S IK THE BASKET ? 41 



WHAT'S IN THE BASKET ? 

SURELY this must be a joke ! 
Small girl in a great big poke, 
Red bandana, and square shawl — 
See the shadow on the wall ! 
We'd like to say where she is going, 
But how can we be sure, not knowing ? 
But here's a question, — I must ask it, — 
What do you 'spose is in the basket ? 
Is it flowers of many a hue, 
All tied up with ribbons blue ? 
Is it groceries ? Or eggs ? 
Or old clothes, for which she begs ? 
Maybe her mother washes clothes, 
And she's to take them home, who knows? 
Whatever's in must be a load, 
I'm sure, for such a little toad. 
Now I know! — it is a bonnet 
With a lot of ribbon on it, 
And a flower and a feather, 
Bunched and tangled up together. 
But — let me see — I guess there's two : 
One for me and one for you 



42 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



GOING TO MARKET. 

HERE we go to market! 
What a heavy load 
For a poor old donkey 
On a hilly road ! 



Up the winding hill-side, 
Down the narrow dell, 
Here we go to market, — 
But, dear me, what to sell ? 



Jaunty cap and feather, 
Hair all in a curl, — 
Do you think 'twill pay to 
Sell a Gypsy girl? 



BABY BELL. 43 



BABY BELL. 



T WISH I could tell 
-■- What I know so well 
About Baby Bell, 
And make you 
Know it too. 



She has twinkling blue eyes, 

And the dearest pug nose, 

The chubbiest hands 

And the daintiest toes, 

And her small mouth is prettier 

Far than a rose. 



And then she has dimples 
On hands, cheek, and chin, 
And she says, " Ah, papa ! " 
With a cute little grin ; — 
But oh, you must see her, 
For I cannot tell, 
Nor begin to, the sweetness 
Of our Baby Bell ! 



44 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



IN THE ORCHARD. 

AWAY to the breezy old orchard 
Go Mary and Mabel and Ned, 
To gather the red and gold apples 
That hang from the boughs overhead. 

Brave Ned has climbed up in the branches 
And shakes down the ripe golden hail, 

And Mary, the wise little maiden, 
Is hastily filling her pail. 

But Mabel looks up in the tree-tops, 
Where Pippins and Spitzenbergs swing, 

And cries for the pretty pink blossoms 
That grew up there early in spring. 

Oh. Mabel ! your share of the blossoms 
You gathered as fast as they fell ; 

Next winter I'm sure you'll be wanting 
Your share of the apples as well. 

Then pick up your basket, my Mabel, 
Ere more precious moments are lost, 

And help now to gather the apples, 
Or they will be spoiled by Jack Frost. 



donald's plea. 45 



DONALD'S PLEA. 



WHAT'S that you're saying, mon? 
Jeannie maun dee ? 
Jeannie, my ain wee lass, 

What's all the warld tae me? 



Na, na, it canna' be, 
Shallna' be, I say, — 

Stay, doctor, mak' her weel, 
There's siller here to pay. 

She's aye a sunbeam, mon, 
Blithesome and gay, 

Singing like a bonny bird 
A' the livelong day. 

Now she lies still and pale, 

Faint is her e'e ; 
Oh ! mak' her weel again, 

Dinna let her dee. 

Monny a happy day, 

Ere here we came, 
We twa ha' passed away 

In th' auld Scotland hame. 



46 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

Darkly the kirkyard mould 
O'er her mither lay ; 

But Jean, my bonny lass, 
Had aye a cheering way. 

Oh ! mak' her weel again, 
Dinna let her dee ; 

She's but a wee bit lass, 
But all the warld tae me. 



VACATION SONG. 

aOOD-BY to books and study, 
Vacation days have come ; 
The air grows hot and sultry, 
The drowsy insects hum. 

We're never tired of learning, 
We wish that understood ; 

But we're longing for the meadows, 
The cool and shady wood. 

So put away the pencils, 

Pile up the slates and books, 
We'll join a class of robins, 
Or a fish-school in the brooks. 



A five-o'clock tea. 47 



A FIVE-O'CLOCK TEA. 



TpIVE little girls, 

-*- With their hair in curls, 
And faces as clean as could be, 

In white dresses neat, 

And slipper-shod feet, 
Sat down to a five-o'clock tea. 



There was " sugar and spice, 

And everything nice ; " 
There was sandwich and cake and ice-cream, 

And " cambric tea," hot 

From a tiny tea-pot ; 
All just like a fairy-land dream. 



And you would have thought 

That each maiden ought 
To have been happy as happy could be; 

And so they well might, 

But for a sad sight 
That spoiled all the five-o'clock tea. 



48 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

'Twas a dark ugly frown 

That settled hard down 
O'er the face of one poor little maid; 

And it stopped all the fun, 

For how could any one 
Be happy as long as it stayed? 



But now she agrees 

At all five-o'clock teas 
To be as smiling and gay as she's able, 

Because a cross face, 

All times out of place, 
Is even more so at the table. 



A TALE OF ADVENTURE. 49 



A TALE OF ADVENTURE. 

AH, me ! ah, me ! 
The little Ah Sing Lee — 
Oh, me ! oh, me ! 
Went out one day to see 
A crocodile and an octopus, 
The great sea-whale and a wal-erus; 
So he sailed away. 

Ah, me ! ah, me ! 
The little Ah Sing Lee — 

Oh, me! oh, me! 
Went sailing out to sea; 
But the wind came up and the sun went 

down 
And his boat upset far out from town ! 
In a plight was he. 

Ah, me! ah, me ! 
The little Ah Sing Lee — 

Oh, me ! oh, me! 
Was shipwrecked far at sea; 
But he jumped on board of the great sea- 
whale 
And rode to town on the end of its tail! 
He did, indeed ! 



50 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



A SONG OF SIXPENCE. 

FF you have a little money, 
-*- Don't you know, 
Wheresoe'er the fancy takes you 

You can go? 
You can sail or you can soar, 
You jean see the world, and more ; 
If you haven't you can whistle, — 
You can so. 

If you try to live on credit, 

Don't you see ? 
From the veriest of rascals 

You must flee. 
Whither you are well or ill 
You'll be hounded with a bill, 
And your life unto you will 

A burden be. 

How to save yourself from fretting 

Would you know ? 
Never spend quite all you're getting 

As you go. 
Always make the two ends meet 
E're you give yourself a treat, 
And the little shekels keep 

Until they grow. 



A HEART OF LOYE. 51 



A HEART OF LOYE. 

TTE was a common laborer, 
J — ■- But sordidness above ; 
His soul was full of melody, 
For his heart was full of love. 



He loved the flowers that grew beside 

The path he daily trod ; 
They tokened to his simple mind 

A beauty-loving God. 



He loved the children with a love 
That drew them to his knee ; 

And banished envy, strife, and hate 
By love's Divinity. 



The youth or maiden in disgrace 

Or love-perplexity 
Drew courage, strength, and higher aims 

From his pure sympathy. 



52 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

The business man with anxious brain, 
The housewife, care oppressed, 

Who chanced to note his peaceful face, 
Felt momentary rest. 



He was not great, he was not rich; 

But, like One from above, 
He blessed all lives within his reach, 

For his heart was full of love. 



A SUMMER SONG. 53 



A SUMMER SONG. 

A WORDLESS song with a soft refrain 
-£^- Kept singing itself all one day through 

my brain, 
But for its sweet meaning I listened in vain 
Until the eventide. 

'Twas the song of the waves as they break 

on the shore 
Of a turbulent sea, rolling in evermore, 
Whose every pulse-beat swells to a roar, 
So great its immensity. 

'Twas the song of the wind as it breathes 

through the pines 
Of a sweet-scented wood where the summer 

sun shines ; 
There, caught in the tops of the tall swaying 

shrines, 

It echoes unceasingly. 

'Twas a song of peace when the soul is stirred, 

Of rest in activity, 
Of a chord full struck by a master touch, 

Responding in harmony. 
But I know not yet what the words may be, — 

I shall know in eternity. 



54 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



MY PRAYER. 

r I THERE'S a hunger of want in my heart 
-*- For the blessings this life can impart ; 
But tell me, indeed, for these shall I plead 
When He knows what is best for my need ? 

"Take no thought for the morrow," He said ; 
" For all numbered the hairs of thy head." 
Then to Him shall I bear great burdens of care ? 
Let " Thou knowest, O Lord," be my prayer. 

When to Him all my sins I disclose, 

My desire to be like him He knows ; 

And here I can rest, for the worst with the best 

In loving compassion, He knows. 

Who so anxious good gifts to impart? 
Who so wise to the end as Thou art? 
So day after day, this only I pray, — 
" Oh, Father, Thou knowest my heart." 

Then let my soul sing 

To the Heavenly King, 
As here in earth-blindness it goes ; 

" Oh, not my poor will, 

But Thy wisdom fulfil," 
For I know that He knows ; yes, He knows. 



PART IV 



COLD-WATER SONGS 



WATER-DROPS AND WINE-DROPS. 57 



WATER-DROPS AND WINE-DROPS. 

[An exercise for day-schools, Sunday-schools, or private entertain- 
ments, in which part of the company repeat verses describing the beau- 
ties of water, and the other part the evils of wiDe. It would be well for 
the verses to be given alternately, one from one company and then one 
from the other.] 

WATER-DROPS. 

~T~TP from the breast of the great blue sea, 
^ Where cleansing winds blow long and 

loud, 
I mount on a sunbeam's warm, bright wings 
To a lofty seat in a shadowy cloud. 

Down from the clouds on a rainy day, 
Gladly I drop to the earth below, 

Wetting the trees and the thirsty soil, 

Till down in its depths the young roots grow. 

Out from a seam in a gray old rock, 

Clear as a crystal gem, I burst, 
Eager again to return to my work, 

Washing a stain away, quenching a thirst. 

Bubbling and sparkling I journey along, 

Carrying comfort to all I pass, 
Bathing the bobolink's gay, glossy coat, 

Sprinkling the meadow-bank, cooling the 
grass. 



58 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

Etching in winter the frosty pane, 

Dressing the branches in crystalline gowns, 

Crusting the skating-ponds firm ami smooth, 
Laying up ice for the great hot towns. 



WINE-DROPS. 

Squeezed and pressed from the bruised grape, 
Bottled and corked, we are hurried away 

To cellars mouldy, dark, and damp, 
And there for many a month we lay* 



Out once more to the light of day, 

Muddy and strong, we are brought at last, 

Mixed with various poisonous things, 

And on to the busy world's markets passed. 



Red and strong, from many a cup, 
Carrying woe to those who drain, 

Into the blood of man we go, 

Clouding the senses, burning the brain. 



Catching the eye of a gay young man, 
We tempt him on with our spicy breath, 

Until we have poisoned his strong young veins, 
And sown in his body the seeds of death. 



WATER-DROPS AND WINE-DROPS. 59 

Breaking hearts in many a home, 
Filling towns with hate and strife, 

Wasting property, houses, and lands, 
Burning up hope, and health, and life. 



Which is more beautiful, pure, and good, 
Wine-drops or water-drops — which do you 
think? 
Which is the best for a thirsty world, 

Wine-drops or water-drops — which will you 
drink ? 



60 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



AN APPLE-PAETY. 



AN ANTI-CIDER ENTERTAINMENT. 



[Over the platform stretch a piece of green cloth, so as to form a can- 
opy, high enough to be out of the way of the tallest participant. A few 
yards of green cambric or strong mosquito netting will do. Into this 
fasten small leafy branches and twigs from the apple-tree, and to 
these attach some apples by cords fastened to the stems. 

Around the sides of the platform hang festoons of dried apples, made 
by running a string through the pared quarters. In the centre place a 
table containing all the various dishes mentioned in the exercise, and as 
many more as can be provided. 

The speakers enter at one side of the table, take from it the dish that 
illustrates their respective parts, and hold it while they speak. After 
which the dish may be returned to the table, the speaker passing to the 
other end of the platform, and remaining until all have spoken.] 



FIRST SPEAKER. 

[Holding up a large rosy apple.'] 

This is an apple, juicy and sweet, 
Fit for a king or a queen to eat. 



SECOND SPEAKER. 

This is a dish of apple-sauce, 
Made (without an atom of loss) 
From ripe rosy apples, juicy and sweet, 
Fit for a king or a queen to eat. 



AN APPLE-PARTY. 61 

THIRD SPEAKER. 

Here are some apples baked, you see, 
A most excellent dish for dinner or tea. 
When dressed with cream that's rich and sweet, 
They are fit for a king or a queen to eat. 

FOURTH SPEAKER. 

This is a big, round apple-pie, 
For a piece of which I often sigh; 
'Tis made of apples so juicy and sweet, 
It were fit for a king or a queen to eat. 

FIFTH SPEAKER. 

This is a dish of marmalade, 
Which I with mother's help have made 
Out of some apples, juicy and sweet, 
Fit for a king or a queen to eat. 

SIXTH SPEAKER. 

This is a dumpling, which, as you know, 
Is made of flour mixed up into dough, 
And slices of apples, juicy and sweet, 
Fit for a king or a queen to eat. 

SEVENTH SPEAKER 

This is jelly, see it shake ! 
'Tis a joy to taste, though a task to make, 
For the apple-juice must be made so sweet ! — 
Or else it will never be fit to eat. 



62 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

EIGHTH SPEAKER. 

This is an apple johnny-cake, 

Which I will teach you how to make : 

You mix cornmeal and water, as thick 

As you can conveniently stir with a stick, 

Then bake with chopped apples, juicy and 

sweet ; 
'Tis fit for a king or a queen to eat. 

NINTH SPEAKER. 

Here is an apple pyramid, 

Within it raisins and apples are hid, — 

Raisins and apples so juicy and sweet, 

That a king or a queen might be glad to eat. 

TENTH SPEAKER. 

This is something we call Brown Ben; 
You take ripe apples, as many as ten, 
And pare and quarter and put in a dish, 
With crumbs of bread, and crusts, if you 

wish, 
Then stew until all is juicy and sweet, 
Fit for a king or a queen to eat. 

ELEVENTH SPEAKER. 

You've learned to make dumplings and mar- 
malade, 
Now I'd like to tell you how cider is made. 



AN APPLE-PARTY. 63 

First, up in a tree all clean and neat, 
Fit for a king or a queen to eat, 
Grow the ripe rosy apples, all juicy and 
sweet. 

But a man comes along, and down to the 

ground 
Shakes big and little and rotten and sound, 
Then hustles them up into barrels and bags, 
With sticks and leaves and hairs and rags, 
And various things, which help to fill 
The old wagon-box for the cider-mill. 
The apples are there dumped out on the floor, 
Where they lie and rot for a week or more ; 
Then into the hopper they're all let fall, 
Rot and dirt and worms and all, 
And round and round are ground into mush, 
And fall to a trough below, all slush. 
From here the miller shovels the mess, 
With a dirty old scoop, to a dirty old press ; 
And there it is squeezed till the juice runs 

out 
To a barrel below, through a dirty old spout. 
Then when it has stood in the barrel some 

days, 
Till all the good that's left in it decays, 
The stuff, called cider, is sold, don't you 

think? 
To people as something that's good to drink ! 



64 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

TWELFTH SPEAKER. 

It doesn't appear to me very wise 

To take all those apples that ought to make 

pies, 
And grind them all up into filthy old swill, 
And sell them to folks with small wit and 

small will. 
If I were a farmer I'd feed them, or dry 

them, 
Or put them in cans, or pickle or fry them, 
Or fix them in some manner, dainty and 

sweet, 
And sell them to sensible people to eat. 



[All sing, to the tune of " Never say Fail"' 

Oh, yes, I like apples, all juicy and sweet; 

Not any cider for me ; 
I'm sure they were made just on purpose to 
eat; 

Not any cider for me. 
In pies and in puddings they're fit for a 

king; 
In cider they're turned to a poisonous thing. 

Apples for me, apples for me ; 

But, thank you, no cider for me. 



the raisin's story. 65 



THE RAISIN'S STORY. 

I'M a dried and wrinkled raisin, sadly pressed 
all out of shape, 
And my far-off home I'll never see again; 
Truly, you would never think that I, a round 
and juicy grape, 
Once was growing on the sunny hills of 
Spain. 



But I'm quite contented with my lot, I'll 
never moan my fate, 
For I might have had more reason to repine. 
I'd much rather be a raisin all dried up and out 
of shape, 
Than a single drop of ruby poison wine. 



66 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



THE WATER-LILY. 



T LOVE the water-lily, 

-*- It is so sweet and bright; 

It opens in the morning, 

All golden, green, and white. 



It lives upon the water, 
It even drinks it up; 
I know, for I have seen 
The water in its cup. 



And so I know that water 
Is good to make things pure, 

And I shall always drink 
Cold water, I am sure. 



I don't think water-lilies 

Would grow on beer or rye, 

Nor men nor women either, 
And I don't mean to try. 



WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH WHEAT ? 67 



WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE WHEAT? 

GOME out in the wheat-field some bright 
summer morn, 
And watch these tall beauties with me, 
All gracefully swaying about in the wind, 
Like waves of a great golden sea. 



Then come where the brewer is making his malt, 
'Mid odors that stifle one's breath, 

And watch how whole bushels of life-giving food 
Are turned into liquors of death. 



Come with me again to the reeking saloon, 
The place where King Alcohol feasts, 

And see how the people who swallow this beer 
Are turning from men into beasts. 



And then to the garret, all empty and bare, 
The home of the drunkard, now come, 

Where children are starving and wife in despair, 
And tell me if you will drink rum. 



68 PIECES TO SPEAK, 



THEIR FOES AND OURS. 

TTTHO or what was the enemy, 
V » In those old colonial days, 
When Washington and Putnam fought 
The " Revolution " frays ? 



What was it made our forefathers 

So angry, — and so brave 
That many and many a man of them 

His best blood freely gave ? 



Why, 'twas because the English sought 
To take our rights away, — 

To make us do the work, while they 
Came round and took the pay. 



All honor to our patriot sires, 
Heroes they were indeed ; 

Now we the full ripe harvest reap 
For which they sowed the seed. 



THEIR FOES A1SD OURS. 69 

Man was not made for slavery, — 

God meant him to be free ; 
And "free and equal" is our creed, 

Whate'er one's race may be. 



But is it true that slavery 

Has wholly passed away ? 
Have we not men whose life-blood, hearts, 

And souls are " bound " to-day ? 



Look at that tottering drunken man 
With poison in his brain ; 

He'll tell you, when he's sober, that 
He wears, indeed, a chain. 



Go north, go south, go east, go west, 

And count until your brain 
Is numbed with counting, those who wear 

The same degrading chain. 



That chain is drink, and those that bind 

It on have hearts like Cain ; 
They dare to kill their fellow-men 

With poison, all for gain. 



70 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

They say they have the right to sell 

To all who want to buy ; 
But when that "right" brings others "wrong," 

We," then, the "right" deny. 



Our fathers fought with sword and gun, 
But we with truth must fight; 

And every boy and girl will speak 
That truth out for the right. 



Thus every boy and every girl 

A soldier brave will be, 
To fight this drink-curse from our land, 

Till every man is free. 



THE INDIAN CORN'S COMPLAINT. 71 



THE INDIAN CORN'S COMPLAINT. 

T GROW in the sunshine, I feed upon the 
-*- dew, 

I lift high my tall tasselled head ; 
I carry crinkled, silk-covered ears at my side, 

I make most delicious brown bread. 



When placed in the popper, how I hop, hop, 
hop, 
How pure, and white, and sweet the heart 
I show ; 
What famous food I furnish when I'm eaten 
from the cob, 
No one who's ever tasted can but know. 



I fed for many hundred years the dusky 
forest child, 
The red man with his arrow and his bow ; 
I fatten many hens and geese, and many tons 
of beef 
That out to feed the hungry people go. 



72 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

But wicked men have taken me and soaked 
me in a tank ; 
They have turned my precious food into a 
drink 
That has power to change the hearts of men, 
to poison brain and mind, 
And noblest souls in lowest depths to sink. 



WHICH IS BEST ? 

"VTOW in the field of the farmer, 
-^ Lifting its bearded head, 
Now in the hands of the miller, 
Now in a loaf of bread. 

Stalwart in beauty while growing, 

Ground it gives vigor and joy, 

Oh ! what a shame to be wasted, 

Poisoned, and sold to destroy,. 



THE LIQUOR-SALOON OX THE CORNER. 73 



THE LIQUOR-SALOON ON THE CORNER. 

OH, have you heard our geography song? 
For if you've not, it's on my tongue, 
About our States, the old and young, 
With liquor-saloons on the corner. 

Oceans of beer and whiskey flow, 

Hogsheads and vats, kegs, as you know, 

Bottles and demijohns, too, and all go 
To the liquor-saloon on the corner. 

In every State from east to west, 

Save in a few, more wise than the rest, 

The fairest towns are all possessed 
With liquor-saloons on the corner. 

In cities and towns and villages small, 
Enough to make a Chinese wall, 

If in a line you placed them all, 

Are the liquor-saloons on the corner. 

They bring to many a cheek the tear, 
And many a home make sad and drear: 

They kill their thousands every year, 
These liquor-saloons on the corner. 



74 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

Oh, will you not be glad to see 

That blessed day of liberty, 
When in the whole land there shall be 

No liquor-saloon on the corner? 

Then let us work with might and main, 
This great good for our land to gain, 

And let this be our one refrain, — 
" No liquor-saloon on the corner." 



PART V 



SOME AIRY FAIRY DRAMATICS 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 77 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 
JACK FROST REVIEWS THE SSTOWFLAKE BRIGADE. 

[Jack Frost is seated on a high throne, is dressed in white and carries 
a sword. The Snowflakes, also dressed in white, march in file past, 
salute, and take their places in lines about the platform. Or, if it is not 
practicable for all to wear white, each performer may wear a conspicu- 
ous white bow or knot of muslin on the left side of the chest. Jack 
Frost may wear a white military cap and sash. If the exercise is given 
in a school-room where there is not much room on the platform, the 
compaDies may file back to their seats after saluting, and rise by compa- 
nies in turn. 

The music accompanying the marching should be light and airy. In 
the absence of a piano, a violin, accordion, or harmonica may be substi- 
tuted . ] 

JACK FROST. 

COMPANY A may report the charge on 
Drowseytown. 

[Company A rise, or, if standing, wheel icto line facing Jack Frost. 
The captain of the company, who carries a sword, begins the rehearsal, 
and points with his sword in turn to each one who is to follow him in 
continuing the story.] 

CAPTAIN OF COMPANY A. 

'Twas a calm, still night, 

And the moon shone bright 

Over the steeples of Drowseytown. 

FIRST SNOWFLAKE. 

Every little curly head 

Had been early tucked to bed. 



78 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

And all except the pussy cats, 
Who kept awake to watch the rats, 
Were dreaming dreams or sleeping sound. 

SECOND SNOWFLAKE. 

Presently a fleecy cloud, 

Like a thin, white, snowy shroud, 

Sailed quite across the face of the moon. 

THIRD SNOWFLAKE. 

Then quickly down upon the very tallest 

steeple-top 
A single snowflake sentinel was quietly let 

drop. 

FOURTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Then others took their places upon the weather- 
vanes, 

And many more were stationed beside the 
window-panes. 



FIFTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Then the vanguard of the snow, 
Falling fast or whirling slow, 
Drifted downward in the night, 
Draping Drowseytown in white. 
Adapted from Robert Williams Buchanan. 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 79 

SIXTH SNOWFLAKE. 

All night long the legions passed 
On an ever-gathering blast, 
With a tramping and a roar 
Like the waves on a wild shore. 
On they drave in drifts of white, 
Burying Drowseytown from sight. 
Adapted from Robert Williams Buchanan. 

SEVENTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Once the moon looked out, and lo ! 
Blind against her face the snow 
Like a wild white grave-cloth lay 
Till she shuddering crept away. 
Then through darkness like the grave, 
On and on the legions drave. 

Robert Williams Buchanan. 

EIGHTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Scared out of its sleep that night, 
Drowseytown awoke in fright ; 
Chimney-pots above it flying, 
Windows crashing to the ground, 
Snow-flakes blinding, multiplying, 
Snow-drifts whirling round and round. 
Robert Williams Buchanan. 

NINTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Multitudinous and vast, 
Legion after legion passed ; 



80 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

Still the air behind was drear 
With new legions coming near, 
While the drifts grew deeper, deeper 
On the roofs and at the doors; 
While the wind awoke each sleeper 
With its melancholy roars. 

Bobert Williams Buchanan. 

JACK FROST. 

Company B may report the appearance of the 
town the next morning. 

CAPTAIN OF COMPANY B. 

When at last the morning shone 
We looked upon a world unknown. 
Around the glistening wonder bent 
The blue walls of the firmament; 
No cloud above, no earth below, 
A universe of sky and snow. 

Adapted from John Gr. Whittier. 

FIRST SNOWFLAKE. 

The old familiar sights of ours 

Took marvellous shapes ; strange domes and 

towers 
Rose up where sty or corn- crib stood, 
Or garden-walk, or belt of wood. 

John Gr. Whittier. 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 81 

SECOND SNOWFLAKE. 

A smooth white mound the brush-pile showed, 
A fenceless drift, what once was road; 
The bridle post an old man sat 
With loose flung coat and high cocked hat. 

John Gr. Whittier. 

THIRD SNOWFLAKE. 

The well-curb had a Chinese roof, 
And even the long well-sweep, high aloof, 
In its slant splendor seemed to tell 
Of Pisa's leaning miracle. 

John Gr. Whittier. 

FOURTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Hanging garlands the eaves o'er-brimmed, 
Deep drifts smothered the paths below; 
The elms were shrouded, trunk and limb, 
And all the world was dizzy and dim 
With a whirl of dancing, dazzling snow. 

Adapted from Mrs. Elizabeth A. Allen. 

FIFTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Dimly out of the baffled sight 
Houses and church-spires stretched away; 
The trees all spectral, and still, and white, 
Stood up like ghosts in the falling light, 
Faded and faint with the blinded day. 

Adapted from Mrs. Elizabeth A. Allen. 



82 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

SIXTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Down from the roofs in gusts were hurled 
The gathered drifts to the street below ; 
And all the drowned and desolate world 
Lay dumb and white in a trance of snow. 
Adapted from Mrs. Elizabeth A. Allen. 

SEVENTH SNOWFLAKE. 

The paths were lost and gone ; 
The streets had no one on 
Their hidden, soundless stone, 
Where piles of snow were blown. 
Adapted from J. Hazard HartzelL 

JACK FROST. 

Company C may report what the people said. 

CAPTAIN OF COMPANY C 

" A cheer for the snow, the drifting snow, 
Smoother and purer than beauty's brow; 
The creature of thought scarce likes to tread 
On the delicate carpet so richly spread. 
With feathery wreaths the forest is bound, 
And the hills are with glittering diadems 

crowned ; 
'Tis the fairest scene we can have below, — 
Sing welcome, then, to the drifting snow." 

Eliza Cook. 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 83 

FIRST SNOWFLAKE. 

" Down out of cloud land, 
Down from the star land, 
Down into our land, 
Comes the white snow." 

Selected. 

SECOND SNOWFLAKE. 

" Snow-flakes are frail, white, tiny things, 
Dropped, I guess, from fairies' wings, 
Or else they're souls of summer flowers 
Coming down in winter showers." 

Selected. 

THIRD SNOWFLAKE. 

Silently, like thoughts that come and go, 
The snow-flakes fall, each one a gem. 

W. Hamilton Crib son. 



FOURTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Lo, sifted through the winds that blow, 
Down comes the soft and silent snow, 
White petals from the flowers that grow 

In the cold atmosphere. 
These starry blossoms, pure and white, 
Soft falling, falling through the night, 

Have draped the woods and mere. 

George W. Bungay. 



84 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

FIFTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Out of an unseen quarry evermore 
Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer 
Curves his white bastions with projected roof 
Round every windward stake, or tree, or door. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

SIXTH SNOWFLAKE. 

When autumn days grew pale, there came 

a troop 
Of child-like forms from the cold mountain-top ; 
With trailing garments, through the air they 

came, 
Or walked the ground with girded loins, and 

threw 
Spangles of silvery frost upon the grass, 
And edged the brook with glistening parapets, 
And built it crystal bridges, touched the 

pool, 
And turned its face to glass, or, rising thence, 
They shook from their full laps the soft light 

snow, 
And buried the great earth, as autumn winds 
Bury the forest-floor in heaps of leaves. 

William Cullen Bryant. 

SEVENTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Never lay like glory 
On the April leas, 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 85 

Never summer blossoms 
Thick and white as these. 

Never leafy wreathing, 
Never viny scroll, 
Thus hung woodland arches, 
Crowned the meadow knoll. 

John Vance Cheney. 



EIGHTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Still come the flakes of white, 

Like blossoms pure and light, 

From Heaven's great orchard trees, 

Which feed no humming-bees ; 

Now driving, leaping- down, 

And whitening farm and town, 

And from the leaden clouds which crowd the 

sky, 
Hiding familiar things from foot and eye. 
Arranged from J. Hazard HartzelL 



NINTH SNOWFLAKE. 

The fairy phantoms of the peopled air 
Come softly gliding to the earth below. 
I sit and list, I list in vain, to hear 
The feathery footfall of the falling snow. 



86 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

No sound, save now and then a muffled hoof 
And muffled wheel, and, in the silence, lo, 
I sit and worship 'neath my whitening roof; 
The world keeps Sabbath for the falling snow. 

Charles Gordon Ames. 



TENTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Out in the misty moonlight 
The white snow-flakes I see 
As they frolic among the leafless 
Limbs of the apple-tree. 
Faintly they seem to whisper, 
As around the boughs they swing, 
" We are the ghosts of the blossoms 
That died in the early spring." 
Adapted from Richard Kendall Munkittrick. 

JACK FROST. 

Company D may tell how the surrounding 
country looked. 

CAPTAIN OF COMPANY D. 

Every pine and fir and hemlock 
Wore ermine too dear for an earl, 
And the poorest twig on the elm-tree 
Was ridged inch-deep with pearl. 

James Russell Lowell. 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 87 

FIRST SNOWFLAKE. 

The snow-drifts piled the window ledges, 
The frost was keen, the air was still ; 
The lanes that lay below the hills 
Were drifted even with the hedges. 

Adapted from L. Frank Tooker. 

SECOND SNOWFLAKE. 

The beech was bare, and bare the ash, 

The thickets white below; 
The fir-tree scowled with hoar mustache, 

He could not sing for snow. 

Adapted from Bayard Taylor. 

THIRD SNOWFLAKE. 

Ponds were covered, woods and roads, 
And trees wore shrouds, and men's abodes 
Like sculptured marble glistened white. 
Adapted from Robert Williams Buchanan. 

FOURTH SNOTVFLAKE. 

Over the woodlands brown and bare, 
Over the forest fields forsaken, 

Silent and soft and slow, 

Deep lay the snow. 
Adapted from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

FIFTH SNOWFLAKE. 1 

On turf and curb and bower-roof 
The snow had spread its ivory woof; 



88 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

It paved with pearl the garden-walk, 
And lovingly each tattered stalk 
And shivering stem it wrapped around 
With mantles fair as ermine down. 

Adapted from J. T. Trowbridge. 

SIXTH SNOWFLAKE. 

The frozen roads 
Were bound with silver bars, 
The snow-drifts heaped against the hut, 
The night was pierced with stars. 

Patmore. 

SEVENTH SNOWFLAKE. 

All through the silent woods, 
The trees, with powdered hoods 
And forehead calm and fair, 
Were bowed like saints at prayer; 
While leaning down were faded golden-rods, 
With weight of spotless ermine from the gods. 
Adapted from J. Hazard HartzelL 

EIGHTH SNOWFLAKE. 

The leaden sky teemed with its snowy burden, 
Until upon the sombre forest lands 
The tall, gaunt trees stood forth like sentinels 
Around a slumbering camp, their meagre arms 
Swayed by the wind, while the gathered snow- 
flakes showered 
In powdery softness down. 

Adapted from A. H. Baldwin. 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 89 

NINTH SNOWFLAKE. 

The lowlands lay 
Hidden beneath their snow-dress ; scarce a fox 
Or rabbit was astir ; the famished birds 
Nestled within the ivy that enshrouds 
The farm-house walls. Snow, snow, snow, 
On moor and wold, on woodland and in glade, 
On city roof, on country cottage thatch, — 
Winter's regalia, crisp, bright, sparkling snow! 

Adapted from A. H. Baldwin. 

TENTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Keen, keen, and cold 
The north wind whistled o'er the bleak hill- 
side, 
And ceaseless fluttered from the leaden sky 
The feathered flakes, till not a single bush, 
Or tuft, or hillock, through its covering showed, 
But still, and white, and silent all around 
The landscape lay beneath a shroud of snow. 
Adapted from A. H. Baldwin. 

JACK FROST. 

Company E may report the retreat. 

CAPTAIN OF COMPANY B. 

A million little diamonds 
Twinkled on the trees, 



90 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

And all the little maidens said, 
"A jewel, if you please." 
But while they held their hands outstretched 
To catch the diamonds gay, 
A million little sunbeams came 
And stole them all away. 

Selected. Anonymous. 

FIFTH SNOWFLAKE. 

When all the earth thus frosted o'er 

The rising sun had warmed, 
The feathery snow-stars, born of cold, 

Were speedily transformed. 

SECOND SNOWFLAKE. 

But still they glistened, flashed, and shone, 

Ablaze with dazzling light, 
As if a shower of diamonds 

Had fallen in the night. 

THIRD SNOWFLAKE. 

The ugliest weed and barest stalk 
With flashing gems were set ; 

And every grass-blade on the lawn 
Wore beaded coronet. 

FOURTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Upon the vine around the porch 
The melted snow-stars dangled, 



A SNOW FESTIVAL. 91 

Till every twig the sun shone on 
With rainbow hues was spangled* 

FIFTH SNOWFLAKE. 

From every trembling water-drop 

Went streaming out a blaze 
Of green or orange, red or blue, 

In dazzling sun-like rays. 

SIXTH SNOWFLAKE. 

But 'neath the sunshine's magic spell, 
Those jewels flashing bright, — 

Those crystals, pearls, and diamonds 
Went glittering out of sight. 

SEVENTH SNOWFLAKE. 

Where does the snow go, 

So white on the ground? 
Under May's azure 

No flake can be found. 
Look into the lily 

Some sweet summer hour, 
There blooms the snow 

In the heart of the flower. 

Lucy Larcom. 



92 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



NEPTUNE'S KEUNION. 



OCEAN'S CHILDREN RETURN HOME, AND REPORT THEIR 
ADVENTURES. 



CHARACTERS. 

Neptune, King of the Ocean. 

Neptune's Children. 
Mists and Fogs, Clouds, Raindrops, 

Frost Sprites, Snowflak.es, Ice-Builders. 

Scene. — Neptune's court, — a rocky cavern at the bottom of the 
sea. 

[A chair draped with green netting may be placed upon the platform 
to represent Neptune's throne. Piles of stones, moss, or seaweed may 
be arranged upon the platform to represent the ocean floor. A few large 
pieces of coral, if they can be obtained, will add to the effect. Growing 
plants may be placed about, with stones heaped around the pots to 
hide them. Gray or green mosquito-netting may be also draped about 
in appropriate places. 

Those who take part may dress in colors to represent their characters, 
or wear netting draped over their clothes, or march behind a banner 
draped to represent the character of the company following it. 

Neptune may wear green and carry a trident. The Mists may wear 
gray; the Clouds, a lighter gray; the Rain, dark gray; Hail, gray deco- 
rated with large white beads; Snow, white; the Frost Sprites, white 
covered with spangles. Ice, gray covered with spangles.] 

Enter Neptune with all his followers, keeping step to music. As they 
march across the platform Neptune chants, keeping time with his tri- 
dent.— The music continues while he is speaking, but very low, so as 
not to drown his words. 



keptune's beustiost. 93 



NEPTUNE. 



TTTTLD, wintry winds storm through the 

* * night, 
Dash the black clouds against the sky, 
Hiss through the billows seething white, 
Fling the rock-surf in spray on high. 

Mrs. Augusta Davies Webster. 



Let them rage The lordiest floods 

And cataracts are drops of dew 

To me who could subside the earth. 

I brook commandment from the heavens alone 

For marshalling my powers. 

Adapted from Campbell. 

Seats himself on his throne. Others continue 
marching. 

Here we are, my children, 
Once more in Ocean's halls. 
Winds and tempest may rage as they please, 
Old Father Neptune is Lord of the seas. 
Come now for a good time. All and every one 
Tell of your adventures, and what you have 
done. 



[The Mists separating from the others, who continue to march slowly 
stop and bow to Neptune and the audience. The music continues very 
softly, just enough to mark time for those who are keeping step.] 



94 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

FIRST MIST. 

The sun shone down upon the sea ; 
The sparkling ripples dancing gay, 
All in a film of silver mist 
Rose up to meet the Lord of day. 

Adapted from William Bell Scott. 

SECOND MIST. 

The sunbeams leap 
And frolic o'er the deep, 
And where their light is most intensely 
poured 

There from the surface keen 
Flashes like diamonds gleam 
As the vapors arise in a numberless horde. 

Adapted. 

THIRD MIST. 

Over the boundless blue, there joyously 
The bright crests of innumerable waves 
Glance at the sun at once, as when hands 
Of a great multitude are upward flung 
Jn acclamation. 

William Cullen Bryant. 

FOURTH MIST. 

The sea tosses and foams to find 

Its way up to the cloud and the wind. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson. 



neptune's reunion. 95 

FIFTH MIST. 

A film of mist looms now and then 
From the point where the keen winds blow ; 
Ghost-like it hangs in the air, then fades 
Where the unknown keen winds go. 

William Bell Scott. 



SIXTH MIST. 

The rising winds blow fierce and high, 

And whirl the mists through the air and sky. 



SEVENTH MIST. 

Between the outer deeps of night 
And the low vales, the lingering light 
Builds of the evening mist 
High walls of glory, fair and far ; 
And in the glory shines a star 
Through the trembling amethyst. 

Anna Boynton Averill. 

EIGHTH MIST. 

Now the wild winds lull themselves to rest, 
The flowers to sleep are kissed, 
And like a benediction o'er the land 
Broods the still mist. 

Adapted from Mrs 0. iV. Knox. 



96 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

NINTH MIST. 

The thick mists cling heavily 
To the slumbering earth and each silent tree. 

Adapted. 

A FOG. 

[The Fogs differ from the Mists by wearing more floating and trail- 
ing drapery.] 

FIRST FOG. 

Then the Phantom Fog came forth, 
Following slowly from the North; 
Wheezing, coughing, blown and damp, 
He sat sullen in the swamp. 

Robert Williams Buchanan. 

SECOND FOG. 

The lazy Fog hangs from the brow of the hill, 
Concealing the course of the dark winding rill. 
Adapted from Robert Burns. 

THIRD FOG. 

Damp and chill 

Streamed the Fog on vale and hill. 

Robert Williams Buchanan. 

[The Mists and Fogs return to the columns and continue marching 
slowly back and forth or round and round the platform, while the 
Clouds separate and salute.] 

FIRST CLOUD. 

The jewels the wind dips out of the sea 
We sprinkle over the land in showers. 

Adapted from Thomas Bailey Aldrich. 



neptune's reunion. 97 

SECOND CLOUD. 

We bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers 

From the seas and the streams; 
We bear light shade for the leaves when laid 

In their noonday dreams. 
From our wings are shaken the dews that 
awaken 

The sweet birds, every one, 
That are rocked to rest in their swaying nests, 

But flit and fly in the sun. 

Adapted from Shelley. 

THIRD CLOUD. 

We wield the flail of the lashing hail, 
And whiten the green plains under, 

And then again we dissolve in rain, 
And laugh as we pass in thunder. 

Adapted from Shelley. 

FOURTH CLOUD. 

Before the blast the bare trees lean, 
The ragged clouds sail low and gray, 

And all the wild and wintry scene 
Is but one blur of driving spray. 

Charles Turner Dazey. 

FIFTH CLOUD. 

Deformed by tempests, the sweet blue 
Is drowned in clouds of fleecy spray ; 



98 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

On, on, in ranks forever new, 
Forever maddening in their play. 

Thomas Grold Appleton. 

SIXTH CLOUD. 

The hooded clouds, like friars, 
Tell their beads in drops of rain. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

[The Clouds pass on, giving place to the Raindrops.] 



FIRST RAINDROP. 

The laden clouds as they fleetly pass 
Throw their shadowy veil on the darkening 

grass ; 
And the pattering showers and stealing dews, 
With their starry gems and skyey hues, 
From the oozy meadow that drinks the tide, 
To the sheltered vale in the mountain-side, 
Wake to a new and fresher birth, 
The tenderest tribes of the teeming earth. 

Percival. 

SECOND RAINDROP. 

From floating clouds of pearly hue 
Fell in drops the summer shower 
That hung like gems of morning dew 
On every tree and every flower. 

Adapted from Roscoe. 



neptune's reunion. 99 

THIRD RAINDROP. 

She waits for us, our lady Earth, 
Smiles and waits and sighs ; 
We'll say her nay and hide away, 
Then take her by surprise. 

Adapted from Mary Mapes Dodge. 



FOURTH RAINDROP. 

We knew it would rain, for all the morn 
A spirit on slender ropes of mist 
Was lowering its golden bucket down 
Into the vapory amethyst 
Of marshes and swamps and dismal fens, 
Scooping the dew that lay in the flowers. 
Thomas Bailey Aldrich. 



FIFTH RAINDROP. 

Every valley drinks, 

Every dell and hollow ; 
Where the kind rain sinks and sinks, 

Green of spring will follow. 

But for pattering rain 

We should have no flowers, 

Never a bud or leaf again 
But for soaking showers. 

Christina Creorgina Rossetti. 



100 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

SIXTH RAINDROP. 

There would be no moss 
In cool and shadowy places, 
Never waving meadow-grass 
Pied with broad-eyed daisies. 
The lambs would have no grass to eat, 
The cattle no golden grain ; 
There would be no lily on land or pond, 
If it were not for the rain. 
Adapted from Christina Greorgina Rossetti. 

SEVENTH RAINDROP. 

How beautiful is the rain 
After the dust and heat ! 
In the broad and fiery street, 
How beautiful is the rain! 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

EIGHTH RAINDROP. 

Soon as comes the rain, 

Sing, robin ! sing, swallow ! 
Grasses in the lane, 

Buds and flowers follow. 
Woods ring blithe and gay 

With bird trill and twitter, 
Though the skies do weep, 

And the winds be bitter. 
Adapted from Ina Donna Coolbrith. 



neptune's reunion. 101 

j 

NINTH RAINDROP. 

The rain comes down, not waiting for a call, 
Each pattering drop knows well its destined 

place, 
And soon the fields, whereon the blessings fall, 
Change their cold frosty look for Spring's 

sweet face. 

Adapted from Jones Very. 

TENTH RAINDROP. 

Beneath the ceaseless beating rain 
Earth's snowy shroud fast disappears, 

As sorrow, pressing on the brain, 
Fades in a flood of happy tears. 

Charles Turner Dazey. 

ELEVENTH RAINDROP. 

Spring and summer rains 

Bring beauty and good cheer; 

Fall and winter rains 

Make the earth more drear. 

TWELFTH RAINDROP. 

The tree-tops thrust at the snow-clouds gray, 
And frozen tears fill the lids of the day. 

Edith M. Thomas. 

[Raindrops rejoin the ranks; Frost Sprites step out.] 



102 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

FIRST FROST SPRITE. 

We are the Frosts, the ghostly Frosts, 

We steal out in the night, 

And the breathless leaves are numb, 

Motionless with affright ; 

The moon, arising late and still, 

Sees all their faces beaded, chill. • 

Adapted from John James Piatt. 



SECOND FROST SPRITE. 

Jack Frost wears a hailstone on his head 

For a glittering helmet clasped, 
And a sharpened spear, like an icicle clear, 

In his cold little fingers grasped. 

Adapted from John Gr. 0. Brainard. 

THIRD FROST SPRITE. 

In a downward darkening mass 
Sleet and hail hiss as they pass, 
Rattling on their frozen lee 
With their shrill artillery. 
Adapted from Robert Williams Buchanan. 

FOURTH FROST SPRITE. 

Sheathed is the river as it glideth by, 
Frost-pearled are all the boughs in the forest 
old. 

Alexander Smith. 



neptune's eeunion. 103 

FIFTH FROST SPRITE. 

The unwary flowers our icy fingers feel, 
And at their touch the crisped leaves roll 

back; 
The sturdy maple o'er a sea of green 
Waves in the autumnal wind his flag of red, 
First struck of all the forest-spreading screen, 
Most beauteous, too, the earliest of her dead. 
Adapted from Jones Very. 

SIXTH FROST SPRITE. 

The flowers that grew when morning-glories 

blew 
Their white and purple trumpets to the dawn, 
Are nipped and withered by our fingers cold ; 
The grass is crisp and brittle 'neath our tread ; 
Like ghosts we flee away before the sun, 
But work our charms beneath the bright full 

moon. 
Adapted from Thomas Buchanan Reed. 



SEVENTH FROST SPRITE. 

Whose the art 
That webs the streams, each morn, with silver 

• wire, 
Delicate as the tension of a lyre, 
Whose falchion pries the chestnut-burr apart ? 



104 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

It is the Frost, a rude and Gothic sprite, 
Who doth unbuild the Summer's palaced 

wealth, 
And puts her dear loves all to sword or flight ; 
Yet in the hushed, unmindful winter's night 
The spoiler builds again with jealous stealth, 
And sets a mimic garden, cold and bright. 

Edith M. Thomas. 



EIGHTH FROST SPRITE. 

Then he went to the mountain and powdered 

its crest, 
He climbed up the trees, and all their boughs 

dressed 
With diamonds and pearls, and over the heart 
Of a quivering lake he spread 
A coat-of-mail that it might not fear 
The downward point of many a spear 
Which he hung on the margin far and near 
Where a rock could rear its head. 

Hannah F. Grould. 



NINTH FROST SPRITE. 

He went to the windows of those who slept, 
And over each pane like a fairy he crept; 
AVherever he breathed, wherever he stept, 
By the light of the moon were seen 



neptune's keunion. 105 

Most beautiful things : there were flowers and 

trees, 
There were bevies of birds and swarms of 

bees ; 
There were cities, thrones, temples, and towns, 

and these 
All pictured in silver sheen. 

Hannah F. Gould. 



TENTH FROST SPRITE. 

What dream of beauty ever equalled this ? 
What bands from fairyland have sallied forth 
With snowy foliage from the abundant north ? 
What imagery from the realms of bliss ; 
All loveliness, all graces that allure, 
Shapes that amaze ? A paradise that is — 
Yet was not, — will not in few moments be 
Clothing the ground, replenishing the tree, 
Weaving arch, bower, and delicate festoon 
Still as a dream, and like a dream to flee. 

William Howitt. 



ELEVENTH FROST SPRITE. 

Fair fragments of gay fairy-scenes 
We paint on the crusted pane, 
Spear-like leaves, and long fern fronds 
Linked in a silvery chain. 



106 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

Or black frozen lakes and icy peaks, 
Or wastes of polar snow, 
Ice-laden boughs and feathery pines 
Leaning over ravines below. 

Adapted from Edith May. 



TWELFTH FROST SPRITE. 

On many a window-pane 

Our busy pencils draw designs 

Of ferns, and blossoms, and fine sprays of 

pines, 
OakJeaf, and acorn, and fantastic vines. 

Adapted from Thomas Bailey Aldrich. 



THIRTEENTH FROST SPRITE. 

The pane is etched with wondrous tracery ; 
Curve interlaced with curve and line with 
line, 
Like subtle measures of sweet harmony 

Transformed to shapes of beauty crystal- 
line. 
Slim, graceful vines and tendrils of such sort 

As never grew, save in some fairy world, 
Wind up from roots of misted silver wrought 
Through tulip flowers and lilies half un- 
furled. 

Charles Lotin Ilildreth. 



107 



FOURTEENTH FROST SPRITE. 

Shag firs and hemlocks blend with plumy 
palms, 
Spiked cacti spring from feathery ferns and 
weeds, 
And sea-blooms, such us rock in Southern 
calms, 
Mingle their foamy fronds with sedge and 
reeds. 
And there are diamond-crusted diadems, 
And orbs of pearl and sceptres of pure 
gold, 
Stored up in crystal grottos, lit with gems, 
And paved with emeralds of price untold. 
Charles Lotin Hildreth. 



FIFTEENTH FROST SPRITE. 

Grass a-field wears silver thatch, 
Palings all are edged with rime, 

Frost-flowers pattern round the latch, 
Cloud nor breeze dissolve the clime. 

John Leicester Warren. 



SIXTEENTH FROST SPRITE. 

The frost hangs blackening on the stalk, 
The dewdrops fall in frozen showers. 

John Grardner Calkins Brainard. 



108 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

SEVENTEENTH FROST SPRITE. 

But even while we look the magic pictures 
fade, 

Melts the bright tracery from the frosted 
pane, 

Trees, vales, and cliffs, in sparkling gems ar- 
rayed, 

Are covered o'er with snow, the blossoming 
of the rain. 

Adapted from Edith May. 

[The Frost Sprites return to the ranks ; the Snowflakes take their 
places.] 

FIRST SNOWFLAKE. 

Hidden clouds 
Let fall soft beauty, till each green fir branch 
Is plumed and tasselled, till each heather 

stalk 
Is delicately fringed. The sycamores, 
Through all their mystical entanglement 
Of boughs, are draped with silver. 

David Gray. 

SECOND SNOWFLAKE. 

Through the hushed air the whitening shower 

descends, 
At first thin wavering ; till at last the flakes 
Fall broad, and wide, and fast, dimming the 

day 



neptune's reunion. 109 

With a continual flow. The cherished fields 
Put on their winter robe of purest white; 
'Tis brightness all, save where the snow melts 
Along the mazy currents. Low the woods 
Bow their hoar heads. 

Thomson. 

THIRD SNOWFLAKE. 

The hills that were so bare 
Are robed in dazzling garments pure and fair .; 
The trees seem blossoming in some strange 
way. 

Ernest Warburton Shurtleff. 

[The Snowflakes retire and the Ice- Builders form in line.] 
FIRST ICE-BUILDER. 

When we have glazed the snow and clothed 

the trees 
In crystal, then can be seen " each spray 
Nodding and tinkling in the breath of heaven 
Studded with its trembling water-drops, 
While round the parent stem the long, low 

boughs 
Bend in a glittering ring." 

Adapted from William Cullen Bryant. 

SECOND ICE-BUILDER. 

We make in the woods "fairy palaces 
Where crystal columns send forth slender 
shafts, 



110 PIECES TO SPEAK. 

And crossing arches and fantastic aisles 
Wind from the sight in brightness and are lost 
Among the crowded pillars." 

William Cullen Bryant. 

THIRD ICE-BUILDER. 

He who looks "in fancy, dreams 
Of spouting fountains, frozen as they rose 
And fixed, with their branching jets in air; 
All, all is light; but all shall pass away 
With the next sun. From numberless vast 

trunks 
Loosened, the crashing ice shall make a sound 
Like the far roar of rivers." 

William Cullen Bryant. 

FOURTH ICE-BUILDER. 

Sun and frost together form 

Pendants long and bright, 
That through the day reflect the sun, 

At night the moon's soft light. 

FIFTH ICE-BUILDER. 

Down from the eaves there dropped at noon 

An icicle in the sun, 
A prison of fire, a palace of frost, 

A miracle world begun; 
All heaven's hues in its rondure pale, 

With its exquisite life undone. 

Adapted from Louise Imogen Gruiney. 



neptune's reunion. Ill 

SIXTH ICE-BUILDER. 

Icicles hoar 

Split and descend; 
On the freezing shore 

The frost-kings rend 
Their sheen jewelry evermore* 

Thomas Gold Appleton. 

SEVENTH ICE-BUILDER. 

Like agate stones upon earth's frozen breast, 

The little pools of ice lie round and still; 
While sullen clouds shut downwards eStst and 
west 
In marble ridges stretched from hill to hill. 
Christopher Pearse Cfanch. 

EIGHTH ICE-BUILDER. 

The brooks are armed with silver shields, 
Through which the sun's sword cannot fare ; 

To mutter 'twixt their teeth, the streams, 
In icy fetters, scarcely dare. 

Richard Chenevix Trench. 

NINTH ICE-BUILDER. 

Then the North with crimson cheeks 
Blew upon the pond for weeks, 
Chilled the water through and through, 
Till the first thin ice-crust grew 



112 PIECES TO SPEAK. 



Blue and filmy; then, at last, 
All the pond was frozen fast. 
Prisoned, smothered, fettered tight, 
Let it struggle as it might. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 



TENTH ICE-BUILDER. 



Beneath the ice, the river, lying 
In a frozen sleep, 
Remembers how his pulses 
Used to throb and leap; 
How he danced and sparkled, 
Happy on his way, 
In the summer mornings, 
When the world was gay. 
Adapted from Mrs. Julia Caroline Dorr. 



ELEVENTH ICE-BUILDER. 

Each reed that grows in 
Our stream is frozen, 
The fields it flows in 
Are hard and black. 



The water fairy 
Waits wise and wary 
Till time shall vary 
And thaws come back. 



neptune's reunion, 113 

O sister water! 

The wind besought her, 

O twin-born daughter 

Of spring with me ! 
Stay with me, play with me, 
Take the warm way with me, 
Straight for the summer and over the sea. 
Algernon Charles Swinburne* 

TWELFTH ICE-BUILDEB. 

But winds will vary, 
And wise and wary 
The patient fairy 
Of water waits. 

All shrunk and wizen, 
In iron prison, 
Till spring, re-risen, 
Unbars the gates; 

Till, as with clamor 
Of axe and hammer, 
Chained streams that stammer 
And struggle encased 

Burst bonds that shiver, 
And thaws deliver 
The roaring river, 
That rushes onward again to the ocean in haste. 
Adapted from Algernon Charles Swinburne. 

[Neptune rises, waves his trident ; all join in singing some appropri- 
ate song, and march out.] 



READINGS m H0ME HALL 



AND SCHOOl 



Prepared by Professor LEWIS B. MONROE 

Founder of the Boston School of Oratory 



HUMOROUS READINGS In prose and verse For the use of schooli 

reading-c'iubs public and parlor entertainments $1.50 

" The book is readable from the first page to the last, and every article 
contained la it is worth more than the price of the volume." — Providence 
Herald. 

MISCELLANEOUS READINGS In prose and verse $1.50 

" We trust this book may find its way into many schools, not to be used as 
a book for c'aily drill, but as affording the pupil occasionally an opportunity 
of leaving the old beaten track." — Rhode-Island Schoolmaster. 

DIALOGUES AND DRAMAS For the use of dramatic and reading 
clubs and for public social and school entertainments $1.50 
" If the ?cting of dramas such as are contained in this book, could be intro- 
duced into private circles, there would be an inducement for the young to 
spend the".* evenings at home, instead of resorting to questionable public 
places."— Nashua Gazette. 

YOUNG FOLKS' READINGS For social and public entertainment $1.50 
" Professor Monroe is one of the most successful teachers of elocution, as 
well a? a very popular public reader. In this volume he has given an unusu- 
ally fin? selection for home and social reading, as well as for public entertain- 
ments.* — Boston Home Journal. 



DIALOGUES FROM DICKENS Arranged for schools and home 
amusement By W. Eliot Fette A.M. First series $1.00 

DIALOGUES AND DRAMAS FROM DICKENS Second series 
Arranged by W. Eliot Fette Illustrated $1.00 
The dialogues in the above books are selected from the best points of the 

stories, and can be extended by taking several scenes together. 

THE GRAND DICKENS COSMORAMA Comprising several unique 
entertainments capable of being used separately for school home or hall 
By G. B. Bartlett Paper 25 cents 

THE READINGS OF DICKENS as condensed by himself for his own 

use $1.00 

LITTLE PIECES FOR LITTLE SPEAKERS The primary, 
school teacher's assistant By a practical teacher i6mo. Illustrated 
Cloth 75 cents Also in boards 50 cents 

THE MODEL SUNDAY-SCHOOL SPEAKER Containing selec- 
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Sunday-school exhibitions Illustrated Cloth 75 cents Boards 50 cent* 

* A book very much needed." 



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ae|s§§ £LOGUT|0NARY ROOKS 



ADVANCED READINGS AND RECITATIONS By Austin B. 
Fletcher A.M. LL.B. late professor of oratory Brown University and 
Boston University School of Law This book has been already adopted in 
a large number of universities, colleges, post-graduate schools of law and 
theology, seminaries, etc. $1.50 

" Professor Fletcher's noteworthy compilation has been made with rare 
rhetorical judgment, and evinces a sympathy for the best forms of literature, 
adapted to attract readers and speakers, and mould their literary taste." — 
Professor J. W. Churchill, Andover Theological Seminary. 

THE BOOK OF ELOQUENCE A collection of extracts m prose 
and verse from the most famous orators and poets By Charles Dudley 
Warner $1.50 

" What can be said that is more eloquent praise than that Charles Dudley 
Warner has carefully selected three hundred and sixty-four specimens of the 
choicest things from the world's literature? If there is any subject untouched, 
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useless to tell who is in here, for everybody is; and it is clear that Mr. Warner 
has made his extracts with great care. It has the most eloquence ever packed 
into twice as many pages." 

VOCAL AND ACTION LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND EX- 
PRESSION New edition By E. N. Kirby instructor in elocution in 
Boston University By mail 83 cents. 

" This is a treatise, at once scientific and practical, on the theory and art 
of elocution. It treats of the structure of the vocal organs, of vocal culture 
and expression, of action-language, gesticulation, the use of the body and 
hands in oratory, etc. There is also a well-arranged collection of extracts for 
elocution. The work is well adapted for use as a text-book on elocution, and 
for study by professional students." — Indianapolis Journal. 

FrVE-MINUTE READINGS Selected and adapted by Walter K. 
Fobes 50 cents 

FIVE-MINUTE DECLAMATIONS Selected and adapted by Walter 
K. Fobes teacher of elocution and public reader 50 cents 

FIVE-MINUTE DECLAMATIONS SecondPart Selected and adapted 
by Walter K. Fobes Cloth 50 cents. 

FIVE-MINUTE RECITATIONS By Walter K. Fobes 50 cents 
Pupils in public schools, on declamation days, are limited to five minutes 

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extracts has often marred the desired effects. To obviate these difficulties 

new " Five-Minute " books have been prepared by a competent teacher. 
" We have never before seen packed in so small a compass so much that 

may be considered really representative of the higher class of oratory." — 

Boston Transcript. 

ELOCUTION SIMPLIFIED With an appendix on Lisping, Stammer- 
ing and other Impediments of Speech By Walter K. Fobes graduate oi 
the " Boston School of Oratory " Cloth 50 cents. Paper 30 cents 
* The whole art of elocution is succinctly set forth in this small volume, 

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YOUNGT FOLKS' 
PICTURES AND STORIES OF ANIMALS 

FOR SCHOOL AND HOME 

By MRS. SANBORN TENNEY 

In Six Volumes Sold separately 



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'fbere is nothing in which children are more naturally interested than they 
<vi*e in ANIMALS, and there are no other objects that can be used to greater 
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These stories and pictures of animals have been prepared for the little 
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we believe they will be found most admirably adapted to use as Supple, 
meutary Readers in the school, and for home reading. 

There are six books in the series, each one complete in 
itself. 

The first book contains pictures and stories of BIRDS; 
the second book, pictures and stories of QUADRUPEDS; the 
thir.l, of BEES, BUTTERFLIES, and other INSECTS, and of 
CRUSTACEANS and WORMS ; the fourth, of REPTILES and 
FISHES; the fifth, of SEA-CUCUMBERS, SEA-URCHINS, 
STAR-FISHES, JELLY-FISHES, SEA-ANEMONES, and 
CORALS ; and the sixth, of SHELLS and the Animals that 
Live in Them. 

The six books contain over five hundred illustrations which 
are true to nature. 

Either or all of the above books will be sent for examination, carriage paid, 
a -on receipt of price, 30 cents, net, for each volume. 

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GESTURES AND ATTITUDES 

An Exposition of the Delsarte Theory of Expression. By Edw'd. B. Warman, 

A.M., author of "The Voice, How to train It, How to care for It," etc. 

With over 150 full-page illustrations by Makion Morgan Reynolds. Quarto, 

cloth, $3.00. 

When a man who, besides a thorough knowledge of his art, possesses natural 
ability as a teacher, writes a book on this subject, one anticipates not only a thor- 
oughly reliable, but also a thoroughly practical work. In his treatise on Gestures 
and A ttitudes, Professor Warman has not disappointed us, and just as far as such 
work can be made practical he has made this one so. The ideas of Delsarte arc 
presented in words which all may understand. It is explicit and comprehensible. 
No one can read this book or study its one hundred and fifty graceful and graphic 
illustrations without perceiving the possibility of adding strength and expression 
to gestures and movements, as well as simplicity and ease. 

THE SWEDISH SYSTEM OF EDUCATIONAL GYMNASTICS 

By Baron Nils Posse, M. G. Graduate of the Royal Gymnastic Central Insti- 
tute of Stockholm. Formerly instructor in the Stockholm Gymnastic and 
Fencing Club. Quarto, 264 illustrations. Second Edition, Revised, $2.00. 

The Swedish System while including exercises on apparatus, differs from other 
systems by its independence of apparatus, its movements being applicable to 
whatever may be at hand, and its free standing exercises are such as no appara- 
tus can take the place of. Cheapness, compactness, adaptation to a great variety 
of movements, and to the use of many persons at the same time, are the advantages 
of the Swedish apparatus. Baron Posse's treatise, which is the only comprehen- 
sive handbook of Swedish Gymnastics in the English language, has 241 illustra- 
tions. Chapters on physiological effects of exercise, and the muscular activities 
in the bodily movements, add to the value of the work, which is so arranged as to 
meet the wants of professional teachers familiar with other forms of gymnastics, 
and the general public. — Alexander Young, in The Critic. 

THE VOICE 

How to train It, How to care for it. By E. B. Warman, A. M. With full-page 
illustrations by Marion Morgan Reynolds. Quarto, cloth, $2.00. 
The book is intended for ministers, lecturers, readers, actors, singers, teachers, 
and public speakers, and the special conditions applicable to each class are 
pointed out in connection with the general subject. The use and abuse of the 
vocal organs is considered, and their legitimate functions emphasized as illus- 
trated by their anatomy, hygiene, and physiology. The breathing and vocal exer- 
cises for the culture and development of the human voice are made clear by 
diagrams as well as descriptions, and the fruits of the author's long experience 
as a teacher are embodied in this eminently practical treatise. — Critic. 

AN HOUR WITH DELSARTE 

A Study of Expression, by Anna Morgan of the Chicago Conservatory. Illus- 
trated by Rosa Mueller Sprague and Marion Reynolds with full-page 
figure illustrations. Quarto, cloth, $2.00. 

This beautiful quarto volume presents the ideas of Delsarte in words which all 
may understand. It is explicit and comprehensible. No one can read this book 
or study its twenty-two graceful and graphic illustrations without perceiving the 
possibility of adding strength and expression to gestures and movements as well 
as simplicity and ease. Mr. Turveydrop went through life with universal approval, 
simply by his admirable "deportment." Every young person may profitably 
take a hint from his success, and this book will be found invaluable as an 
instructor. — Woman s Journal, Boston. 



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E 



• • THE • • HEOGRAPHICAL 

IGTURLSQUE * (j * » . Readers 

In Four Fully Illustrated Volumes 

By CHAS. F. KING 

Master Dearborn Grammar School, Boston ; President National Summer School, 
Saratoga Springs; Author of " Methods and Aids in Geography" 

First Book: HOME AND SCHOOL. 

240 pages. Over 125 Illustrations. Price, 50 cents net. By mail, 55 cents. 

Second Book: THIS CONTINENT OF OURS. 

320 pages. Fully Illustrated, Price, 72 cents net. By mail, 83 cents. 

Third Book: THE LAND WE LIVE IN. Part I. 

240 pages. 153 Illustrations. Price, 56 cents net. By mail, 64 cents. 

Fourth Book: LAND WE LIVE IN. Part II. 

240 pages. 150 Illustrations. Price, 56 cents net. By mail, 64 cents. 

True concepts of real geography can only be formed through travel or from 
pictures. Travelling is costly ; but an excellent and accurate substitute is found 
m the pictures produced by the photographic camera. The photographer has 
been round the world and made his report. We call upon him to aid us in tell- 
ing others what he has seen. 

Supplementary reading is in great demand, but only books which combine the 
useful with the interesting are worthy of being introduced into the school-room. 

The four volumes of the Picturesque Readers now in course of preparation are 
pot only intensely interesting, but they contain all the " Essentials of Geography" 
in so compact and vivid a form that they can be read by a bright child of ten in a 
year as supplementary reading in school, or at home in a few weeks, thus meeting 
the peat demand M for less time in geography." 

We call attention to the following 

POINTS OF SUPERIORITY 

1 Ample use of pictures — over ioo large and elegant pictures in Vol. i. 6oo 

illustrations in the series. 

2 All pictures made from photographs, photographic slides, French and 

English designs, or by the best American artists. 

3 Written in narrative style. 

4 Language adapted to children's comprehension. 

5 Carefully prepared by personal narrative, wise selection, and adaptation. 

6 Equally well adapted for home reading and school purposes. 

7 Properly graded for the different classes in grammar schools. 

8 Containing a vast amount of information for old and young, for teacher and 

taught. 

9 A happy combination of the useful and interesting. 

10 From these readers can be easily taught Geography, Reading, Spelling, 

Dictation, and Composition. 

11 All mere map explanations and descriptions carefully avoided. 

12 Costly in preparation, but cheap in price. 

13 These books can be used in place of, or in connection with, geographies. 

14 These fascinating geographical readers will take ths place of the stupid sets 

of map questions and columns of statistics. 

LEE AND SHEPARD PnUMers 10 lift Street BOSTON 



Young folks' •:• d 



* POETRY 



CONTAINING A COLLECTION OF THE BEST SHORT AND EAS1 

POEMS FOR READING AND RECITATION IN 

SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES 

SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY 

LOOMIS J. CAMPBELL 

AUTHOB OF "PRONOUNCING HANDBOOK" " COifcllBIAN SPEAKER," ETC. 
COMPRISING 

Part 1. Simple Poems and Easy Rhymes 
Part 2. Select Poems for School and Home 
Part 3. Classic Poems for School and Home 

Complete in one volume, illustrated, 80 cents net. By mail 85 cents 
Separate parts in paper covers, 20 cents each, net , By mail 22 cents 
Separate parts in board covers, 80 cents each, net. By mail 35 cents 
pONTA INS upward of two hundred and seventy short poems, which 
, are, or should be, favorites with children from seven or eight to 
fourteen or fifteen years of age. All the selections are well adapted for 
reading aloud and for paraphrasing; as an aid in practical composition, 
they may be made of great use. 



S PEAKING * o <, TITTLE SCHOLARS 
••• Pieces* L bolder pupils 

By Ellen Ortensia Peck 

Price, boards, 50 cents 

rpHIS, in very truth, is a "rare gem of a book" of its character. In 
- 1 - common phrase, it " fills the bill " for the exceedingly useful purpose 
for which it was designed. The book includes within its pages original 
recitations and dialogues, charades and entertainments for school exhi- 
bitions and home pleasure, with pieces for birthday and wedding 
anniversaries, Decoration Day, and other occasional celebrations. The 
foundation purpose of the book is grand, — the many varieties of composi- 
tion, which include almost numberless methods of expressing beautiful 
and valuable thoughts and sentiments; the remarkable adaptability of the 
pieces to elevate the mind, attract the quick and abiding interest of the 
reader; the noble spirit; the persuasive and gentle rhythm; rich, yet 
plain language, — render this little volume one of substantial merit and 
permanent worth ; and as the simple expression of great thoughts appeals 
to young and old alike, so "Speaking Pieces" will find admirers othel 
than " little scholars and older pupils." 



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The Young Folk's Series 



Thia series consists of good supplementary reading by well-known 
authors; well printed on calendered paper and furnished at a Ion 
price. Additions will be constantly made to the list. 



PAPER, PRICE, 15 CENTS NET, EACH NUMBER. 



Thomas Wentworth Higginson. 

NO, 

1. The Legends of the Northmen. 
Columbus and his Companions. 

2. Cabot and Verazzano. 

Strange Voyage of Caberza De Vac a. 

3. French in Canada. 
Adventures of De Soto. 

4. French in Florida. 

Sir Humphrey Gilbert. 

5. The Lost Colonies of Virginia. 
Unsuccessful New England Settlements. 

$ ( Captain John Smith. 

Champlain on the War Path. 
7. Henry Hudson and the New Netherlands. 

g. The Pilgrims at Plymouth. 
Massachusetts Bay Colony. 

Louisa Parsons Hopkins. 

9. Parables of Nature and Life ; or, Science applied to 
Character. 

Mrs. Perry. 

]Q i Bible Stories. Arranged for reading in all schools. 

Louisa Parsons Hopkins. 

11. Observation Lessons in Primary Schools. 

12. Plant and Animal Life. 

13. Physical Phenomena of Nature and the Human 

Body. 

14. Physical Exercise and Manual Training. 
Sent by mail postpaid on receipt of price. 



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STORIES AMERICAN V 
jLiJOF_*iil.V HISTORY 

Three Books, Cloth, Illustrated. Price for each book, 50 cents, Boards, 
30 cents net. By mail, 35 cents 

FIRST SERIES 

STORIES OF AMERICAN HISTORY. By N. S. Dodge. 

As a reading-book for the younger classes in public and 'private schools (by 

many of which it has been adopted), it will be found of great value. 

" Nobody knows better than the author how to make a good story out 
of even the driest matters of fact. . . . Here are twenty-two of such 
stories ; and they are chosen with a degree of skill which of itself would 
indicate its author's fitness for the task, even if we had no oth ?r evidence 
of that fitness. There is no better, purer, more interesting, or more instruc- 
tive book for boys." — New York Hearth and Home. 

SECOND SERIES 

NOBLE DEEDS OF OUR FATHERS. As told by Soldiers 
of the Revolution gathered around the Old Bell of Independence. 
Revised and adapted from Henry C. Watson. 

" Every phase of the struggle is presented, and the moral and reli- 
gious character of our forefathers, even when engaged in deadly conflict, 
is depicted with great clearness. The young reader — indeed, older readers 
will like the stories — will be deeply interested in the story of Lafayette's 
return to this country, of reminiscences of Washington, of the night before 
the battle of Brandywine, of the first prayer in Congress, of the patriotic 
women of that day, stories of adventure regarding Gen. Wayne, the traitor 
Arnold, the massacre of Wyoming, the capture of Gen. Prescott, and in 
other narratives equally interesting and important." — Norwich Bulletin* 

THIRD SERIES 

THE BOSTON TEA PARTY, and other Stories of 

the Revolution. Relating many Daring Deeds of the Old 
Heroes. By Henry C. Watson. 

"The tales are full of interesting material, they are told in a very 
graphic manner, and give many incidents of personal daring and descrip- 
tions of famous men and places. General Putnam's escape, the fight at 
Concord, the patriotism of Mr. Borden, tho battle of Bunker Hill, the 
battle of Oriskany, the mutiny at Morristown, and the exploits of Peter 
Francisco are among the subjects. Books such as this have a practical 
value and an undeniable charm. History will never be dull so long as it 
is represented with so much brightness and color." — Philadelphia Record. 

STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR. By Albert M- Blais- 
dell, A.M., author of " First Steps with American and British 
Authors," " Readings from the Waverley Novels," " Blaisdell's Physi- 
ologies," etc. Illustrated. Library Edition, Cloth, $i.oo. School 
Edition, Boards, 30 cents, net; by mail, 35 cents. 

"An exceedingly interesting collection of true stories of thrilling events 
and adventures of the brave men who fought during the Civil War. The 
author aims to present recitals of graphic interest and founded on fact ; 
to preserve those written by eye-witnesses or participants in the scenes 
described; and especially to stimulate a greater love and reverence for 
our beloved land and its institutions, in the character of the selections 
presented. 

LEE AND SHEPARD Publishers Boston 



J 



AME ANDREWS'S BOOKS 



j 



THE STORIES MOTHER NATURE TOLD HER 
CHILDREN. 

Illustrated. Library Edition; $1.00. School Edition, 50 cts. net; by mail, 55 ct& 



ONLY A YEAR, AND WHAT IT BROUGHT. 

A Book for Girls. Cloth, $100. 



TEN BOYS WHO LIVED ON THE ROAD FROM LONG 
AGO TO NOW. 

With Twenty Illustrations. Library Edition, $1.00. School Edition, 

SO cents, net. By mail, So cents. 

INTRODUCING THE STORLES OP 

THE ARYAN BOY, THE PERSIAN BOY, THE ORKEK BOY, THE ROMAN 

BOY, THE SAXON BOY. THE FAGE, THE EJsttLiSH LAD. THE 

PURITAN BOY. THE 1ANKKK ROY. THE BO 1 OF 1885. 

The poet John G. Whittier says of it: — 

rt I have been reading the new book b> Jane Andrews, ■ Ten Boys who Lived 
on the Koad from Long Ago to Now,' which you have just published, and can- 
not forbear saying that in all my acquaintance with juvenile literature I know of 
nothing iu many respects equal to this remarkable book, which contains in its 
small compass the concentrated knowledge of vast libraries. It is the admirably 
told story of past centuries of the world "a progress, and the amount of study a.;d 
labor required in its preparation seems almost appalling to coutemplate. One ia 
struck with the peculiar excellence of its style, — clear, easy, graceful, and pic- 
turesque, — which a child cannot fail to comprehend, and in which 'children of a 
larger growth ' will find an irresistible charm. That it will prove a favorite with 
old anu young, I have no doubt. It seems to me that nothing could be more en- 
joyable to the boy of our period than the story of how the boys of all ages lived 
and acted." 



THE SEVEN LITTLE SISTERS 

WHO LIVE ON THE ROUND BALL THAT FLOATS IN THE AIR. 

Library Edition, $1.00. School Edition, SO cents, net. By mail, 55 cents. 
The Seven Little Sisters are typical of seven races; and the author's 
idea is to portray how these " little women" live in diverse parts oi 
the world, how the products of one country are brought to another, 
their manners, customs, etc. The stories are charmingly told. 



The Seven Little Sisters Prove Their Si 

Library Edition, $1.00. School Edition, 60 cents, net. By mail, 66 cents. 

This may be considered a sequel to The Seven Little Sisters, in 
which the nationalities are again taken up, and the peculiarities ol 
each, in elation to its childhood, are naturally and pleasingly given. 



CEOCRAPHiCAL PLAYS. 

; United States, Asia, Africa, and Soi 
la and the Islands, the Commerce of tl 
Cloth, $1.00; or in Paper Couers, 15 cents each. Six Parts. 



Comprising United States, Asia, Africa, and South Americai 
Australia and the Islands, the Commerce of the World. 



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BLAISDELL'S REVISED SERIES OF PHYSIOLOGIES 

BY 

DR. ALBERT F. BLAISDELL 

Author of " First Steps with American and British Authors," " Stories of the 

Civil War," " Study of the English Classics," " Readings from the 

Waverley Novels," " Stories from English History," etc. 

COMPRISING 

Physiology for Little Folks 

(Revised Edition of" Child's Book of Health") 
Introduction Price, 30 cents, net 

Physiology for Boys and Girls 

(Revised Edition of " How to Keep Well ") 
Introduction Price, 42 cents, net 

Young Folks' Physiology 

(Revised Edition of " Our Bodies ") 
Introduction Price, 60 cents, net 

The leading purpose of the books of this series is to treat of the care and preser- 
vation of the health. The latest facts are given; and in each division the effects of 
alcoholic drinks, stimulants, and narcotics on the human system are shown with 
force, accuracy, and candor. The author, who is a successful practising physiciar, 
and largely engaged in educational matters, has accomplished the difficult task of 
adapting the different books of the series to the capacity and taste of the different 
grades of pupils for whom they are designed, the language employed being remark- 
ably adapted to each grade. Many experiments with and without apparatus are 
suggested and explained in a manner that will be invaluable to the pupils. The 
health notes, in the form of blackboard exercises, in the " Physiology for Little 
Folks," in physical exercises, in " Young P'olks' Physiology," and in hundreds of 
suggestions throughout the volumes, form especially good features of the series. 

As suggested by the general title the volumes have been thoroughly revised, and 
are printed from entirely new plates, with many new illustrations. These new 
editions have been prepared under the advice and supervision of Mrs. Mary II. 
Hunt, National and International Superintendent of the Scientific Department ot 
the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Blaisdell's Physiologies are in use in 
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, Springfield, Augusta, Me., and 
hundreds of cities and towns throughout the country. 



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the Round Ball that floats in the Air 

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n 



The following Books are furnished 
Boards Price 30 cents each 

Stories of Animals By Mrs. Sanborn 
Tenney 500 ills. 6 vol Quadrupeds: 
Birds: Fishes and Reptiles: Bees 
and other Insects. Sea and River 
Shells: Sea Urchins and Corals 

Young Folks' Book of Poetry Arranged 
by Prof. L. J. Campbell In "three parts 
Paper 20 cents each Complete in one 
volume cloth 80 cents 

Miss West's Class in Geography By 
Miss Sparhawk 

Phvsiology for Little Folks By Dr. 
Blaisdell 

Natural History Plays By Lcuisa P. 
Hopkins 

Robinson Crusoe Arranged for Schools 
by W. T. Adams 

Arabian Nights' Entertainments (Selec 
tions) Arranged for Schools by Dr. Eliot 

Stories from American History By N. 
S. Dodge 

Noble Deeds of our Fathers as told by 
Soldiers of the Revolution By H.C.Watson 

The Boston Tea Party and other Stories 
of the Revolution By H. C Watson 

The Flower People By Mrs. Horace Mann 

Lessons on Manners By Miss Wiggin 

A Kiss for a Blow By Henry Clarke Wright 

The Nation in a Nutshell By George 
Makepeace Towle 

Short Studies of American Authors By 
T. W. Higgin son 

The Columbian Speaker By L.J.Camp- 
bell and O.J. Root Jr. 

Every-Day Business Its Practical Details, 
arranged for Young People Bv M. S. Emery 

Stories of the Civil War By Albert F. 
Blaisdell A.M. Illustrated 



Reading* from the Waverley Novels 

Edited by Albert F, Blaisdell A.M. .Cloth 
net 75 cents 

Picturesque Geographical Headers By 
Charles F. King 6 volumes Fully illus- 
trated Volume 1 60 ^ents net Volume 2 
72 cents net Vol. 3 50 cents net 

First Steps with British and American 
Authors By Albert F. Blaisdel' A.M. 
Net 75 cents 



trated 80 cents net 

Coi'-i * for examination sent prepaid upon receipt of above Introductory net prices with ten per 

cent additional for postage 



*■ AND SHEPARD Publishers Boston 



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